Kia’s rugged Picanto X-line now available in South Africa

Just three years after its initial invitation to South Africa to ‘Get In’, the evergreen Kia Picanto has undergone a subtle mid-life refresh as the brand embarks on an exciting journey to the future. Extending the invitation to now also ‘Go There’.

Kia South Africa also introduces the all-new Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling.

“The Picanto is a mainstay in the Kia product-line up and has for many years been recognised by industry experts and members of the press alike as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment,” said Stephen Crosse, Sales Director, Kia South Africa.

“The introduction of the new X-Line derivative sees Picanto gain an adventurous spirit perfect for those who believe in seizing the day and sharing experiences beyond their daily lives. It’s the perfect car for here, there and anywhere.”

From the city to the open road

The new Picanto X-Line features a series of bespoke design details that make it stand out from its siblings. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s well-known ‘tiger nose’ – and aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye-catching LED headlights.

At the rear, a bespoke and completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full-LED rear lights ensuring it looks the part from all angles. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives X-Line a true ‘Go There’ stance.

Customers have a choice of 10 exterior colours, including a new shade of Astro Grey. An optional sunroof is available on special order.

All the creature comforts

Just because you’re chasing life’s adventures doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable, which is why the Picanto X-Line comes standard with all the creature comforts you can think of.

Replacing the SMART derivative in the Picanto range, X-Line features a vast array of specification and features, including two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for the safety and convenience of screen mirroring services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system also incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.

Shaking things up

Apart from the Picanto X-Line, Kia has also introduced subtle revisions to the remainder of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, the range specification has been revisited in order to ensure that customers get the value for money that Kia is renowned for.

Feature highlights across the START range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers, to name but a few.

The Picanto START retains its 13-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel covers.

On STREET models, the most notable update is the addition of the 8-inch infotainment system with an integrated rear-view camera. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The Picanto STYLE now has new alloy wheels that add to its value proposition which already includes automatic headlamps, electric folding mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, to name but a few.

Kia’s well-loved 1.0 MPI and 1.25 MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only offered with the 1.25-litre engine.

The fuel-efficient 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine produces 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 96 Nm torque, while the four-cylinder 1.25-litre engine develops 61 kW of power and 122 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety first

The Picanto remains the safest A-segment vehicle Kia has ever built, with 44% of its bodyshell cast in Advanced High-strength Steel (AHSS).

This super-strong steel has been used specifically to reinforce the Picanto’s floor pan, roof rails, A- and B-pillars and engine bay, strengthening the core structure of the car. Overall, 67 metres of joins throughout the body structure is also reinforced with structural adhesive, improving the Picanto’s torsional stiffness by 32% over its predecessor.

“Various safety tests have proven that the Picanto’s expertly engineered safety shell makes it one of the safest cars you can buy in its segment,” commented Stephen Crosse.

“With ABS, ISOFIX, Datadot and dual front airbags across the range, Picanto offers superb safety standards.”

Time to Go There

The Kia Picanto has always been ahead of the pack with its amazing looks and incredible build quality. With its crossover styling, high-tech features and ‘Go There’ attitude, the new X-Line brings a fresh spirit of adventure to the compact segment.

Pricing

All Picanto models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 2-year / 30,000km service plan. The 2021 KIA Picanto range is on sale immediately.

Picture/s: Supplied