By Staff Reporter

Small businesses requiring delivery solutions from other than a bakkie or a panel van, have a new option in the new Kia Picanto Runner. By taking the Picanto this direction, the local Kia arm will be following on the direction taken by fellow stable mate, Hyundai, who offer the Grand i10 Cargo light commercial vehicle.

What is it?

Based on the Kia Picanto Start, the Picanto Runner loses the rear seat bench to create a flat loading area. Sturdy metal cargo dividers are added to keep cargo in place while in transit, while the rear windows are laminated to keep whatever load is being transported secure and out of sight.

In terms of dimensions and practicality, the Picanto Runner offers approximately 820 litres of practical space, with a payload of up to 350kg.

Safety

Other than addressing commercial needs, the Kia Picanto Runner aims to cater for driver comfort and safety. As far as standard comfort and convenience features go, the Runner offers steering wheel controls, air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, an AUX / USB connection and Radio/MP3/RDS. The seats and steering are adjustable.

Safety features include front passenger airbags, central locking, ABS and Data Dot, amongst others.

Engine

The Picanto Runner is based on the Picanto 1.0 START, and is powered by a 1,0-litre in-line three-cylinder engine that makes 49 kW of power and 95 Nm of torque and is paired to a five-speed manual transmission.

Pricing

The Kia Picanto Runner is priced from R198,995. Prices include and unlimited unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty, a 2-year/ 30,000 km service plan, and Kia’s Corporate Fleet Care Package cover.

The Fleet Care package includes access to the KIA 1-hour Express Service, courtesy vehicle rental and Premium Roadside Assistance, which includes minor mechanical assistance, emergency fuel delivery, flat tyre assistance, battery jump-start and towing, to name only a few.