Kia’s new Picanto city car will bring new in-car technologies and connectivity features as well as updated engines, including a new 89g/km entry-level petrol.

The new Kia Picanto

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor show, the third-generation model will be offered in five-door format only, in line with increasing market demand, with three petrol engines available, including an updated 67hp 1.0-litre unit that offers official CO2 emissions of 89g/km in the four-seat model sold in certain markets, down 6.3% from the 95g/km on the outgoing four-seat model.

The line-up also includes an 84hp 1.25-litre petrol, emitting 104g/km compared with 106g/km for the existing Picanto.

At the top of the range sits a new 100hp 1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) power unit – marking the first time this Picanto has offered a turbocharged petrol engine as well as being the most powerful engine ever offered in the model.

Refinement has been dramatically improved in the new Picanto, with a range of modifications and Kia says the model offers the quietest cabin of any A-segment model.

The new Picanto will also offer more cabin and cargo space despite retaining its 3,595mm length, thanks to a longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang. Boot space grows from 200 litres to a class-leading 255 litres, rising to 1,010 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded down. It also features a two-step floor, which can be raised or lowered by 145 mm to create additional space as required, as well as create an under-floor storage area.

The new Picanto is available with either four or five seats, with the rear bench split into either two or three seats depending on buyer preference (1.25-litre models are five-seat only).

Kia has engineered the latest Picanto for a more comfortable ride, with a series of modifications to the suspension – independent by MacPherson strut at the front; torsion beam at the rear – to realise greater ride stability and quicker, more enjoyable handling responses.

Exact specification details haven’t been released but Kia has announced a new ‘GT-Line’ specification based on the company’s higher-performance ‘GT’ models, such as the Optima GT. The Picanto GT-Line brings red, silver and black exterior highlights as well as chrome-tipped twin exhausts.

The new Picanto will also offer greater customisation potential, with a choice of 11 vibrant paint finishes and four aluminium alloy wheel designs. Buyers can also personalise their new Picanto with one of five optional colour packs for the interior, featuring contrast artificial leather upholstery and stitching.

Technologies available will include a ‘floating’ 7.0-inch HMI touchscreen with a navigation system with 3D map and available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear-view parking camera with dynamic guidelines is also on offer along with an optional wireless smartphone charger and USB port. Safety technologies include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

The new Picanto will go on sale from the start of Q2 2017 following its debut at Geneva.

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