What's all this about?
The new Kia Picanto is on sale with prices starting at £8,345; there are 11 models in the range, which includes three- and five-door versions. Trim levels are numbered '1' to '4' plus SR7, which replaces the previous VR7 grade.
What's new?
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the new Picanto gets revised front and rear styling including new headlamps plus reshaped bumpers at both ends. Grade 2 and 3 models get the option of Atlantic Blue metallic paint while the SR7 can be ordered in 'Honey Bee Yellow' metallic.
From the autumn the Picanto's three- and four-cylinder, 1.0- and 1.25-litre engines will comply with the latest EU6 emissions regulations. At the same time it is promised that they will deliver more torque at lower rpm. Economy and emissions figures for the Picanto are 67.3mpg and 99g/km for the 1.0-litre, which improve to 68.9mpg and 95g/km with Kia's stop-start system. The 1.25 can manage as much as 65.7mpg and 100g/km depending on trim level.
What do you get for your money?
The entry-level Picanto 1 is available with the 1.0-litre engine and three or five doors, the latter costing £8,545. Standard equipment includes remote central locking, split folding rear seat and an MP3 compatible radio/CD system. The five-door is also available as the '1 Air' with air conditioning for an extra £600.
Next up is the SR7 with electric windows, Bluetooth and 'premium black cloth' upholstery with leather trim for the steering wheel and gear lever. Prices are £9,845 or £10,045 depending on the number of doors.
The Picanto 2 is only available with five doors and can be ordered with either engine. It comes with front fog lamps, 14-inch alloy wheels and electric door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Under the bonnet there's a stop-start system. An automatic transmission is available with the 1.25 motor.
Picanto 3 and 4 models come only with the four-cylinder engine and start at £11,745. These come with 15-inch alloys, LED running lights and projection headlamps. On the inside there are heated front seats and a six-speaker sound system. The 4 adds an electric sunroof, heated steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter.
John Lambert - 14 Apr 2015
