The new Picanto entry-level hatchback has been unveiled by Kia. The fourth-generation compact car now comes in two different specifications, the base and the GT Line, and has been improved with a fresh appearance and modern technology.
Exterior
It has new headlights with optional LEDs, as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers and features Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’. Although options for 14, 15, and 16-inch alloy wheels are available, the base model comes with 14-inch wheels as standard. Exclusive 16-inch diamond-cut wheels and a rear diffuser are included with the GT Line. Ten paint colours are available, including Iced Illusion and Rich Brown.
Interior
The new Picanto features an 8.0-inch floating touchscreen with navigation and a digital driver’s instrument display inside, along with a selection of different textiles and leathers. There is multipoint Bluetooth, which allows for the simultaneous pairing of up to two mobile devices for media and calls. Other technologies include speech recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect capabilities, which include cloud-based, real-time traffic data and weather predictions.
Users of a Kia Connect App can obtain vehicle data and diagnostic notifications, check the location of their vehicle, and remotely give route instructions to their car before a trip.
Last Mile Navigation is one of the Kia Connect app’s extra services. This aids owners in continuing their journey to their destination on foot or a scooter after parking and leaving the car at home. Additionally integrated are over-the-air upgrades.
Powertrain
It comes with two engines at launch: a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine with better exhaust gas recirculation and increased intake valve timing. Both models include a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic manual transmission that drives the front wheels. Yes, it comes with a manual option which is unlikely to make it to Malaysia.
However, further details about the engine have not been revealed yet.
Front independent MacPherson struts and a torsion beam rear axle are used for suspension. According to Kia, stability and ride quality have been enhanced. Additionally, the steering rack has been improved to enhance general agility and low-speed driving. The electronic stability control system now includes torque vectoring by braking, which lessens understeer during challenging turns.
Safety Features
Advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention alert, are further new features available.
Intelligent speed limit assistance, lane following assistance, an emergency stop signal, and hill start assistance are further features. Vehicle stability management, cornering brake control, and straight-line stability system are responsible for active safety. Up to seven airbags are available, coupled with Isofix child-seat anchor points and a tether.
With the all-new Kia Niro EV making its debut globally, do you think we will see this Picanto making it into the Malaysian market?
