There is no doubt that the Kia Sportage put Kia on the map in the UK. In this section and over the next few weeks we’re going to delve deeper into the other cars in the Kia range in quite some depth, if you need to know what a Kia Picanto is we’re sure you’ll find all the answers here.
INTRODUCTION
Kia’s smallest car in Europe – the youthful, stylish and fun-to-drive Picanto – is available with two highly distinctive body styles for the first time with the inclusion of crossover-style ‘X-Line’ model alongside the conventional five-door city car.
The ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants are longer, wider and taller than conventional city cars and have increased ground clearance. They make no pretence at being a full-blown SUV – they are driven through the front wheels only – but have a more rugged look which will broaden the appeal of the Picanto in a market in which the crossover is king. The ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants are powered by a 1.25-litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission and are heavily based on the ‘GT-Line’.
The Picanto is more spacious and more practical than its predecessor while occupying not a millimetre more road space. It introduces major improvements in quality so that it can compete on an equal footing with the premium German models which have entered its market sector.
Advanced connectivity and driver assistance features now keep occupants fully in touch with the outside world while minimising the risk of accidents.
A new platform featuring twice as much high-strength steel as the previous Picanto boosts strength and safety, and the range includes ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ variants to add a level of sportiness to the Picanto line-up.
All models are powered by modified versions of the 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre normally aspirated petrol engines from the previous Picanto, now with lower fuel consumption and emissions. The Picanto is capable of up to 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions from 116g/km. A 99bhp version of Kia’s 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine joined the line-up in 2018.
In line with market demand, the Picanto is available only as a five-door car.
The Picanto and its market
The Picanto competes in the A-segment, or city car sector of the UK and European car markets, one step down in size from traditional superminis. It is a sector which is shrinking in size with increasing customer demand for crossover-type models over conventional city cars, hence the decision to introduce the distinctively bodied ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants.
The segment accounts for more than one million sales a year in Western Europe. In the UK, A-segment sales amount to around 130,000 a year and the Picanto has regularly been one of the top five best-selling models. The UK contributes almost a quarter of Picanto sales in Europe. Around 60 per cent of buyers are women, and private buyers account for four out of every five customers.
In this area of the market, size matters. Customer research shows that city-car buyers do not want big cars, so Kia engineers and designers have ensured that the Picanto is no larger than the previous model, while delivering greater space and practicality. The ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants are 75mm longer, 30mm wider and 15mm taller, with the increase in height accounted for by the greater ground clearance.
Price, exterior design, value for money and equipment – areas in which Kia has traditionally been strong – are the prime motivators among customers in this corner of the market. Kia confidently expects the more stylish, more spacious, sportier and more modern Picanto to increase its market share significantly in the next few years, especially with the arrival of ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants.
There are 18 versions of the Picanto on offer in the UK, based on three engines, two transmissions and seven trim lines – grades ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’.
More space and more style within the same compact footprint
The unchanged size of the conventional Picanto disguises the ingenuity that has gone into its packaging to improve passenger and luggage space. It is 5mm taller than the previous model at 1,485mm, and has a 15mm longer wheelbase – now 2,400mm. The front overhang is shorter to give the car a squatter, sportier stance, while the rear overhang is longer to enhance the profile and create more luggage space, which goes up from 200 litres to a class-best 255 litres. This increases to 1,010 litres with the rear seats folded.
There is a lower waistline to make the cabin lighter and airier, a slimmer dashboard to enhance space for the driver and front passenger, and lower seats placed further backwards in the cabin. There is more front head, leg and shoulder room than in the previous model, with largely unchanged space in the rear.
The changes in wheelbase and overhang dimensions have given the Picanto a different character to its predecessor. Whereas the previous model was regarded by buyers as ‘cute’ and ‘cheeky’, the newcomer is sportier and more sophisticated. It has a more voluminous body which is simple and modern. The design was a joint effort by Kia’s studios in Germany and at Namyang in South Korea, where the car is sold under the ‘Morning’ name.
At the front there are wider grilles and air intakes flanked by multi-focus reflector or bi-function projection headlamp units, depending on model. The front fog lights, where fitted, are housed in separate side grilles or, on ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models, within the main lower grille. Air curtains in the side grilles channel air away from the wheel arches and wheels to reduce turbulence and improve aerodynamics while adding a more dynamic appearance. There is a bolder, more assertive bumper, which is echoed at the rear. The top of the windscreen is castellated, as on several other Kias.
The black upper radiator grille with a silver paint or chrome surround is wider and slimmer than before, emphasising the Picanto’s sportier appearance. At the sides, the waistline is lower and flatter, the window area has consequently been enlarged and the wheel arches are more emphatic. Wheels of between 14- and 16-inches in diameter fit snugly in their housings, there are body-colour or chromed door handles, black or chrome belt-line strips and black or body-coloured door mirrors, with integrated indicators on upper models. The wide rear roof pillar – a familiar Kia styling feature – is now more upright to accentuate the greater cabin space.
At the rear, C-shaped rear light clusters are retained, but these are now larger and feature added detail.
Inside, the Picanto follows other recent new Kias with a horizontally structured dashboard split into display and control areas, separated by a satin chrome trim strip which emphasises the cabin’s width and the car’s strong, stable stance. Vertical ventilation outlets at the outer edges of the dashboard act as bookends for the instruments and display areas.
New materials and trim enhancements emphasise the significantly improved quality of the Picanto. The seats are in smart black cloth, premium black cloth, grey faux leather or black and red faux leather, depending on model; there are black, silver paint or satin chrome door handles; and leather trim adorns the steering wheel and gear-lever from grade ‘2’.
Passenger and luggage space in ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models are identical to that in the other grades, but passengers sit higher up for a more commanding view of the road. The car’s increased size results from a 35mm longer front overhang and a 40mm greater rear overhang because of the crossover-inspired styling changes. There are black side sill mouldings and wheel-arch cladding, silver skid plates beneath the front and rear bumpers and twin exhaust outlets. ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models ride on 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres. ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models have unique grey faux leather upholstery and feature satin chrome interior door handles and Aluminium pedals with rubber inserts. The lower centre console trim, air vents and door armrests are unique for ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models with white and green accents.
‘X-Line S’ variants are further differentiated by chrome exterior door handles and an electric sunroof, and feature automatic air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, heated front seats and steering wheel and a smart key with engine start/stop button. The driver and front passenger sunvisors have a vanity mirror with illumination on the driver’s side and there’s a dual height luggage area floor, boosting versatility. Wireless mobile phone charging is a feature of ‘X-Line S’ variants, together with a 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with RDS and DAB radio, with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom™ and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ connectivity via apps pre-loaded onto a smartphone.
‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ have larger sports front and rear bumpers and red highlights within the upper grille and side air intakes, along the side sills and in the lower rear bumper, which contains a diffuser section and twin exhaust tailpipes. They have black and red faux leather upholstery and also feature satin chrome interior door handles and Aluminium pedals with rubber inserts.
The ‘X-Line’ and ‘GT-Line’ comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display with RDS and DAB radio and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ connectivity. The grade ‘3’, ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’ versions are distinguished by a 7-inch centre-mounted ‘floating’ touchscreen with satellite navigation, infotainment and connectivity systems, which include integration with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom™ and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ connectivity via apps pre-loaded onto a smartphone.
DESIGN AND PACKAGING
The third generation Picanto offers two highly distinctive body styles for the first time with the inclusion of crossover-themed ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models alongside conventional five-door city cars. The ‘X-Line’ variants are longer, wider and taller than the rest of the range, and have 15mm greater ground clearance.
Size matters when it comes to city cars like the Picanto. Buyers want space, versatility and practicality, but within a compact package that can be threaded through narrow and crowded urban streets and parked in the tightest of hard-to-find spaces.
It was with this in mind that the teams at Kia’s European design centre in Frankfurt and Namyang in South Korea began co-operating on the design and packaging of the third generation Picanto. And the starting point was that the conventional city car should not be a millimetre bigger than the car it replaces. The footprint of the new car is therefore exactly the same as that of the previous one – 3,595mm long and 1,595mm wide. The corresponding dimensions of the ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ variants are 3,625mm, 1,625mm and 1,500mm as a result of a 35mm greater front overhang and 40mm longer rear overhang. All variants have a 2,400mm wheelbase.
Those stark figures do not do justice to the ingenuity that has gone into the Picanto’s design and packaging. Kia customer research revealed that buyers of the previous model wanted more of everything except overall size – more passenger and luggage space, more features and more quality. This enforced a complete rethink of the packaging of Kia’s smallest European model. Thanks to the new H platform on which it is built, there is a 15mm longer wheelbase without affecting the overall length of the conventional city car, and its front overhang has been reduced by 25mm while the rear overhang is 10mm greater to make space for a larger boot. It is also 5mm taller than its predecessor.
Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s Head of European Design, describes the new Picanto as “a small car that someone forgot to tell that it is small”.
It is more European, more spacious, more sophisticated and more sporty – an important consideration with ‘GT Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ versions in the range for the first time.
Exterior
There is a simple elegance about both body styles with the Picanto and a complete absence of fussy extraneous detail, making them more youthful and energetic in appearance. From the front the conventional city car gives the false impression of being wider and more stable than the previous model thanks to the elongated and slimmer ‘tiger-nose’ upper grille. This is in black with either silver paint or, from grade ‘2’ upwards, a chrome surround. It stretches outwards to meet the multi-function reflector or bi-function projection headlamp units. LED daytime running lights are standard on ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line-S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’.
The lower grille/air intake of all models is larger, and is now widest at its lower edge, in complete contrast to that on the previous model. Upright side grilles now house the front fog lights on grade ‘3’, and they are pushed as far outwards in the muscular bumper as is possible. The Kia badge has been relocated from the grille to just above it, and there are concealed windscreen wipers which help towards a drag co-efficient, or Cd, of 0.33, reducing wind noise. Air curtains which channel air away from the wheel arches and wheels reduce turbulence and improve aerodynamics while adding a more dynamic appearance. The top of the windscreen is castellated, as on several other Kias. The front fog lights are in the main lower grille on ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’.
At the sides, the ‘cute’ and ‘cheeky’ appearance of the previous Picanto has been replaced by a more assertive and bolder look, with a rich cubic effect and elegant horizontal lines along the side skirts and shoulder. The beltline is now straighter, and it is 5mm lower at the front and 14mm lower at the rear, enhancing the view out for all occupants while making the cabin airier. The wide C-pillar – something of a distinguishing Kia feature – is more upright to accentuate the greater cabin space.
There is a black or chrome beltline moulding, depending on model; tinted glass on every version; privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate of ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’; aerodynamic door mirrors; and wheels of 14, 15 or 16 inches in diameter – alloy on all but grade ‘1’.
The chunky appearance of the front bumper is echoed at the rear, and here, too, the fog light and reversing light have been pushed as far out to the car’s extremities as is possible. C-shaped main light units – LED for ‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ – are retained, but are more voluminous, with added detail to give a more high-tech image. As at the front, the overall effect is to exaggerate the car’s width and stability. A roof spoiler aids aerodynamics and houses the high-level brake light. Grades with a 7-inch touchscreen have a subtle shark’s-fin antenna.
The ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ introduces a series of rugged new design cues with more imposing, SUV-style bumpers and silver-coloured skid plates at the front and rear. Unique to the ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models, there are black cladding on the side sills and around the wheel arches to enhance the visual effect of the raised ground clearance. There are twin exhaust outlets, and the ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres.
‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ have larger sports front and rear bumpers and red highlights within the upper grille and side air intakes, along the side sills and in the lower rear bumper, which contains a diffuser section and twin exhaust tailpipes.
Interior
The longer wheelbase, higher roofline and new proportions have had a significant beneficial effect on the space within the Picanto. The interior dimensions of the conventional city car and ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ are the same, but ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ occupants sit 15mm higher up because of the 15mm increase in ground clearance. In all versions front head, leg and shoulder room are greater than in the previous Picanto – by 3mm, 15mm and 10mm respectively – while rear space in all three directions has been largely maintained. There has also been a 55-litre increase in boot capacity, to a class-best 255 litres, while the loading height is 55mm lower in the conventional city car. Folding rear seats that are split 60:40, are standard across the range, expanding the luggage area to a maximum 1,010 litres. The ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’ has a two-level boot floor. On 1.0-litre editions of ‘1’ and ‘2’ grade, there is a four seat option.
Lots of small, detailed changes in the cabin design and layout further add to space and comfort. The seats are set 10mm lower than in the previous Picanto in the conventional city car and are 5mm further back. The door trims are more slender and the crash pad is slimmer, while the dashboard and steering wheel have been raised by 15mm and 10mm respectively, creating more knee space.
The dashboard, in common with other recent new Kias, is slim and wide to emphasise the cabin’s width, and is split along horizontal lines into an upper display area and a lower control area. It is clean, modern and simple, with a satin chrome strip separating the two principal areas.
The significantly improved quality of the Picanto – perceived and actual – is evident in the fit and finish and the choice of materials. The instruments appear in a 2.6-inch monochrome or supervision monochrome display. Depending on model, there is black cloth, premium black cloth, grey faux leather (‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’) or black and red faux leather (‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’) upholstery. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter appears from grade ‘2’ and there are black, silver paint or satin chrome door handles.
Comfort has been considerably improved by new seats based on those in Kia models two or three classes up. Where the seats in many city cars have one-piece backrests with integrated headrests, those in the Picanto feature fully adjustable active headrests. The new seats share the same base materials and construction as those in the latest Optima. In the rear, the backrest angle is more reclined – from 25 to 27 degrees – and there are more prominent side bolsters. All of this makes for a more comfortable and relaxing ride on longer journeys.
In-car practicality has not been overlooked, either. There is more storage space which includes, at the base of the centre console, an open double-shelf tray to store mobile devices and other small items, with retractable twin cupholders. The new central armrest for front passengers, which is standard in grades ‘3’, ‘X-Line’, X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’, is a first in class and slides fore and aft by up to 55mm. It covers a small storage compartment designed to accommodate a one-litre water bottle or a sunglasses case. The ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’ also has a tray for wireless charging of mobile devices.
‘X-Line’, ‘X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’
‘X-Line’ is similar in content to the ‘GT-Line’ model, but with unique grey faux leather upholstery, satin chrome door handles, aluminium pedals with anti-slip inserts and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate. Its 7-inch touchscreen display with DAB radio and RDS and is compatible with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™.
The ‘X-Line S’ variant adds an electric sunroof and chrome exterior door handles to differentiate the model visually, as well as the addition of automatic air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless mobile phone charger and a smart key with engine start/stop button. There’s a dual height luggage area floor, and both driver and front passenger sunvisors feature a vanity mirror, with illumination on the driver’s side.
‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ also have distinguishing features to emphasise their role as the sportiest models in the range. The most obvious of these from the inside is their black and red faux leather upholstery and Aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber inserts. There are satin chrome door handles and, for the ‘GT-Line S’, a heated steering wheel and front seats.
The ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’, along with grade ‘3’ versions, also have a 7-inch central ‘floating’ touchscreen, giving access to the navigation, infotainment and connectivity systems, which include integration with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom™, DAB radio and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ connectivity via apps pre-loaded onto a smartphone.
DYNAMICS
The Picanto, like its predecessor, is based upon a suspension system which features independent MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, with column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), but there have been extensive revisions to deliver greater driver satisfaction, quicker responses and a more comfortable ride.
The changes start with the new H platform and the revised proportions and weight distribution of the car. The new H platform features twice as much high-strength steel as in the previous model – up from 22 per cent to 44 per cent – making the new car’s shell not only more robust but also 23 kilogrammes lighter. At the same time the amount of structural adhesive bonding the body sections together has increased almost nine-fold, from 7.8 to 67 metres, to add further stiffness.
As a result, the Picanto is 32 per cent better than its predecessor in static torsional stiffness and 12 per cent better for tensile strength. A stiffer body benefits ride comfort and handling by allowing the suspension to do its work without having to compensate for flexing; helps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness; and provides a stronger, safer barrier in the event of impact.
In the conventional city car, the longer wheelbase, shorter front overhang, larger rear overhang and seats which are 10mm lower and 5mm further back have created a slightly more rear-biased weight distribution, while the small-capacity engines minimise weight over the nose and add to the car’s agility. The relocation of mechanical parts because of the shorter front overhang also lowers the centre of gravity, which further aids agility.
Kia engineers have built upon the sharp handling responses and comfortable ride of the previous Picanto to provide even greater stability and quicker steering reactions – something which is especially helpful in confined city streets and when parking – with an even more comfortable ride.
The MacPherson strut front suspension has revised geometry which reduces friction and ensures that the forces from the wheels are now more in line with the dampers. The anti-roll bar is now two per cent stiffer and mounted slightly lower, while that at the rear is five per cent stiffer. This has reduced the angle of cornering roll by up to one degree which, along with the shorter front overhang, improves steering responsiveness.
The slightly more rearward weight bias reduces the pitch centre of the car and nosedive when braking, improving ride comfort without the need for firmer spring and damper settings. The extended wheelbase also adds to ride comfort.
The rear torsion beam is now U-shaped and features new trailing arms which reduce unsprung weight by 1.8kg on the rear axle, with no loss of component rigidity. As at the front, there are measures to reduce friction and maximise damping.
The steering rack for the MDPS system is now mounted lower and is 13 per cent quicker, requiring just 2.8 turns between the extremes of lock instead of the previous 3.4. Along with the shorter front overhang, this considerably improves responsiveness and agility in tight manoeuvres and when parking. The Picanto has a tight turning circle of just 9.4 metres.
Wheels of 14, 15 or 16 inches in diameter (steel on grade ‘1’ models; alloy on all others) are fitted, with 175/65 R14, 185/55 R15 or 195/45 R16 tyres. All models have a tyre repair kit in place of a spare wheel.
ENGINES
The most powerful engine ever to appear in a Picanto takes pride of place in the third-generation model. It is a 99bhp version of Kia’s in-house 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-injection) unit and was new for 2018. The T-GDi power unit is offered alongside modified 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre multi-point injection (MPi) petrol engines which, like the T-GDi, are from the Kappa family. As with the vast majority of city cars, there is no diesel engine because any savings in running costs would not be sufficient to compensate for the higher purchase price.
A major re-engineering programme has reduced the fuel consumption and emissions of the MPi engines, which are capable of 55.4mpg and 117g/km. Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all of the engine choices.
There has been extensive work to enhance comfort and driver enjoyment through revisions to the suspension and steering. The Picanto relies on independent MacPherson struts at the front and a new, lightweight U-shaped torsion beam axle and new trailing arms at the rear. The improvement in ride and handling also benefits from the stiffer new platform and body as well as a quicker rack for the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS).
Refinement has been dramatically improved through detailed work on the aerodynamics, body structure, insulation and soundproofing, and is now best in class.
New 1.0 T-GDi powerplant cuts a dash
The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine fits in perfectly with Kia’s downsizing strategy by delivering exceptional power and torque from only three cylinders and a cubic capacity of just 998cc, thanks to turbocharging and direct injection. The T-GDi unit sprays a fine mist of fuel directly into the cylinders through a high-pressure (up to 200 bar) injection system, resulting in highly efficient combustion. Direct injection with turbocharging also helps to boost low-speed response and driveability.
The key targets were instantaneous response, high combustion efficiency and exemplary torque across a wide portion of the rev band. The 1.0-litre 12-valve T-GDi engine develops 99bhp at 4,500rpm and 171Nm of torque continuously from 1,500rpm to 4,000rpm, and features a number of innovative technical solutions. There are laser-drilled injectors with six holes laid out in a pyramid shape so that the fine mist of fuel is spread evenly throughout the cylinders. A straight air intake port ends in a sharp air intake throat, reducing air resistance at all stages of the process. This improves cylinder tumble flow for faster, more efficient combustion while suppressing engine knocking.
There is a single-scroll turbocharger paired with an electric wastegate motor. This improves turbocharger performance while scavenging clean air for the engine to re-use for combustion. At the same time, it allows the wastegate to open to improve the flow of spent exhaust gases. It is an innovative system which allows higher low-end torque, more immediate response at any throttle opening and improved fuel economy at high engine loads.
The engine is fitted with an integrated exhaust manifold in a one-piece casting, improving sealing, reducing weight and lowering exhaust gas temperatures. Lower temperatures result in cleaner emissions by allowing the catalytic converter to operate more effectively. Engine temperatures are closely regulated by a dual-thermostat split cooling system, which allows the block and cylinder heads to be cooled independently. The main thermostat controls the flow of coolant to the cylinder heads above 88º C to reduce knocking, while the engine block thermostat shuts off coolant flow above 105º C to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
There is continuously variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides, electronic throttle control and light, low-friction moving parts. The crankshaft is offset from the centre line to aid smoothness. As a result of these detailed engineering measures the T-GDi engine exhibits minimal throttle lag – the delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering boost. The turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold.
For added durability, the cylinder block has been heat-treated and the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods have been strengthened.
The T-GDi engine accelerates the Picanto from standstill to 60mph in 9.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 112mph. The new powerplant produces CO2 emissions from 128g/km and is capable of up to 50.4mpg on the combined cycle.
The 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre multi-point injection engines
The two petrol engines available in the in the Picanto are a three-cylinder 998cc unit and a four-cylinder with a displacement of 1,248cc. The ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Live S’ variants are available with the 1.25-litre unit only. Both engines are from the Kappa family and have the same 71mm cylinder bore, but the four-cylinder version has a shorter piston stroke – 78.8mm against 84mm. Both have four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides and multi-point fuel injection for highly efficient combustion with strong performance across a wide rev range.
They have a common 10.5:1 compression ratio, a cast aluminium block, low-friction beehive valve springs, an offset crankshaft and a maintenance-free long-life timing chain.
Both have been extensively modified to improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. Upgrades include a new exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a new cooling system with shut-off valve, reducing the time it takes the engine to warm-up from a cold start. A new two-stage oil pump reduces mechanical friction. For the 1.0-litre unit, a new auto tensioner reduces belt noise, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation minimises pumping losses and knocking while bringing about a two per cent fuel saving. The 1.25-litre unit now features a revised dual continuously variable valve timing system and new coated piston rings to reduce cylinder friction for greater efficiency, as well as an auto tensioner on the belt and a piston cooling jet.
The 1.0-litre 12-valve unit develops 66bhp at a reduced 5,500rpm and 96Nm of torque at 3,500rpm, giving the car a 100mph top speed and sprightly 0-60mph acceleration in 13.8 seconds with immediate responses that befit a primarily urban car. Of equal interest to budget-conscious buyers is its excellent combined economy capable of up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 116g/km. The spread of torque, acceleration and highway performance have all improved compared with the previous Picanto.
The 1.25-litre 16-valve Kappa engine develops 83bhp at 6,000rpm and 122Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. It is allied to a five-speed manual gearbox, has a top speed of 107mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of 11.6 seconds. Combined fuel economy is up to 50.4mpg, while the CO2 emissions are from 127g/km. The chunkier ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ versions achieve combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 131g/km.
The improved torque characteristics of both engines has allowed Kia engineers to employ higher gearing, which promotes greater fuel economy while reducing noise at cruising speeds.
Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG)
All manual gearbox versions of the Picanto are fitted with Kia’s Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in traffic. As the name implies, this switches off the engine when the car comes to rest and the driver puts the gear stick into neutral and releases the clutch pedal. The engine restarts instantly as soon as the clutch pedal is partially engaged, and this feature means the car is not using fuel and no emissions are released when it is at rest.
ISG consists of crankshaft position, battery and vacuum sensors plus neutral, on-off and clutch switches that feed into an electronic control unit. This operates the ISG starter, intelligent alternator and cluster. The air conditioning units and bonnet switch also feed into the ISG ECU.
The crankshaft position sensor measures the crankshaft angle during engine run-out and monitors it while the vehicle is stopped, ensuring the starter is activated for as short a time as possible by optimising cranking and combustion. The battery sensor monitors battery condition and temperature, while the clutch and neutral switches recognise when drivers wish to continue driving and ensure the engine is started. There is a brake booster pressure sensor to make sure the engine continues to operate if brake boost falls too low.
A new heavy-duty maintenance-free Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery delivers the power necessary to run the system, and intelligent alternator management reduces drain on the battery while accelerating and recharges the battery during coasting and braking. The system has been engineered not to stop the engine during warm-up after a cold start or if the air conditioning is working hard. Drivers can also manually turn off ISG through a switch next to the gear stick.
| Model | Power bhp | Torque
Nm |
0-60 sec | Max speed mph | Combined mpg | CO2g/km |
| Picanto ‘1’ 1.0 66bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 66 | 96 | 13.8 | 100 | 55.4 | 117 |
| Picanto ‘1’ ADAP* 1.0 66bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 66 | 96 | 13.8 | 100 | 55.4 | 116 |
| Picanto ‘2’ 1.0 66bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 66 | 96 | 13.8 | 100 | 54.3 | 117 |
| Picanto ‘2’ ADAP* 1.0 66bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 66 | 96 | 13.8 | 100 | 54.3 | 117 |
| Picanto ‘2’ 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 13.8 | 107 | 50.4 | 128 |
| Picanto ‘2’ ADAP* 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 13.8 | 107 | 50.4 | 127 |
| Picanto ‘3’ 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 11.6 | 107 | 49.6 | 128 |
| Picanto ‘X-Line’ 1.25-litre 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 11.6 | 107 | 48.7 | 131 |
| Picanto ‘X-Line S’ 1.25-litre 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 11.6 | 107 | 48.7 | 131 |
| Picanto ‘GT-Line’ 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 11.6 | 107 | 48.7 | 131 |
| Picanto ‘GT-Line’ 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 99 | 171 | 9.8 | 112 | 50.4 | 128 |
| Picanto ‘GT-Line S’ 1.25 83bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 83 | 122 | 11.6 | 107 | 48.7 | 131 |
| Picanto ‘GT-Line S’ 1.0 T-GDi 99bhp 5-speed manual ISG | 99 | 171 | 9.8 | 112 | 49.6 | 129 |
* Advanced Driving Assistance Pack (ADAP) is an optional extra on grade ‘1’ and ‘2’.
TECHNOLOGY
Available on grade ‘3’, ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’, Kia Connected Services with TomTom™ are accessed through a 7-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen navigation system. The information available to drivers includes live traffic updates, weather reports, speed camera locations and local point-of-interest searches.
Android Auto™ is available when paired with Android smartphones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, while Apple CarPlay™ is compatible with iPhone 5 and newer versions of the Apple handset and is standard on grade ‘3’ upwards. Both allow occupants to connect to various apps and functions, including voice-guided, hands-free calls and texts. Android Auto gives access to Google maps navigation and Google Play music, while Apple CarPlay links to pre-loaded maps, music, podcasts, texts and messages and audiobooks, all through Siri voice control.
7 SAFETY
The ultra-stiff body shell of the Picanto, composed of 44 per cent advanced high-strength steels, has beneficial effects beyond handling and comfort. It provides a greater barrier against injury in the event of an accident. It ensures that all variants of the new Picanto are the safest small car Kia has ever produced.
The chassis has carefully designed longitudinal and lateral load paths and greater torsional and bending rigidity than the previous model. Structural improvements include the application of almost nine times more adhesives (now 67 metres) to bond the body together. Advanced high-strength steels reinforce all major chassis parts. The new, stronger steel has been used to strengthen the floor pan, roof rails and engine bay, as well as the A- and B-pillars, creating a rigid core structure.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which work together to stabilise the car on slippery road surfaces or when simultaneously cornering and braking, are joined by a new feature – torque vectoring. This is a first for Kia in the city-car class and a further aid to handling stability. Using the anti-lock brake and ESC sensors, it detects when the car is drifting off its intended course in corners and brakes the inside rear wheel if the front of the car is running wide or the outer rear wheel if the rear tyres are starting to slide. It is standard on all models. All versions also have Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to prevent the car from rolling backwards when setting off on steep inclines.
There are six airbags, with pre-tensioners and load limiters front and rear to brace occupants in their seats in extreme braking, and to prevent injury to chests. A visual and audible seat belt reminder warning is fitted, and there are ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.
Kia’s policy is to make the latest safety and communications technologies available to buyers at every level where they can be done so affordably. With this in mind, every version of the Picanto is available with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist as part of Kia’s advanced driver assistance pack (ADAP), and it is standard from grade ‘3’. The Picanto is also the first small Kia to feature torque vectoring while, in an increasingly connected world, a Kia Connected Services package powered by TomTom™ and featuring Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ smartphone integration is standard with the grade ‘3’, ‘X-Line S’, and ‘GT-Line S’ models. The ‘X-Line’ and ‘GT-Line’ variants are equipped with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ smartphone integration.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition takes data from radar and a camera to detect sudden and potentially dangerous braking by a vehicle ahead and activates the brakes. At speeds between 5mph and 50mph the Picanto will come to a complete stop, avoiding many potential collisions and minimising the consequences of others. It is also able to detect pedestrians who wander into its path and apply the brakes in the same way. Visual and audible alerts warn the driver of imminent danger so that manual intervention is possible before the car starts to brake automatically. At up to 107mph, partial Forward Collision Avoidance Assist comes into play to reduce the severity of, or completely prevent, collisions.
Torque Vectoring is a first for Kia in the city-car class and a further aid to handling stability. Using the anti-lock brake and ESC sensors, it detects when the car is drifting off its intended course in corners and brakes the inside rear wheel if the front of the car is running wide or the outer rear wheel if the rear tyres are starting to slide. It is standard on all models.
SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
There are 10 versions of the Picanto available in the UK, based on three engines, one transmission and seven trim lines, with grades of ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘X-Line’, X-Line S’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’.
The Picanto may be the entry-level model to the world of Kia, but that does not mean it is a poor relation. Depending on model, it offers many of the luxuries found in larger Kias and is available with the latest connectivity features and advanced driver assistance systems. And, for the first time, there are crossover-themed ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ and sporty ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models.
Even the entry-level grade ‘1’ model features electric front windows, remote locking with a folding key, tinted windows, AUX and USB ports, a tilt-adjustable steering column, automatic headlight control, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), 60:40 split folding rear seats and six airbags. Options include metallic paint and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with a 2.6-inch monochrome supervision cluster as part of the optional Advanced Driving Assistance package. A four seat version paired with the 1.0 MPi engine and manual transmission is available.
From grade ‘2’, air conditioning, electric rear windows, electric heated door mirrors, Bluetooth® with music streaming and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift are standard. There is a four-speaker rather than a two-speaker audio system, high-gloss lower centre fascia trim, door armrests and air vents, with body-coloured door handles and side mirror housings, a chromed grille surround and 14-inch alloy wheels in place of steel rims. A four seat version paired with the 1.0 MPi engine and manual transmission is available.
Grade ‘3’ adds Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) as standard, 15-inch alloy wheels, the 2.6-inch supervision instrument cluster, front fog lights, electric folding mirrors with LED indicators, a floor-mounted sliding centre armrest, automatic air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, a 7-inch ‘floating’ central display unit with satellite navigation and full connectivity, Bluetooth® with music streaming, a DAB radio as part of a six-speaker audio system, a rear parking camera and sensors and chromed exterior door handles.
The ‘X-Line’ is equipped 16-inch rather than 15-inch alloy wheels, unique grey faux leather upholstery, satin chrome door handles, aluminium pedals with anti-slip inserts and privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate. ‘X-Line’ has body-coloured rather than chrome exterior door handles, skid plates beneath the bumpers, twin exhaust outlets, black side mouldings, chrome side window trim, projection rather than multi-focus headlights and LED daytime running lights and rear lights. The lower centre console trim, air vents and door armrests are unique for ‘X-Line’ and ‘X-Line S’ models with white and green accents. The 7-inch touchscreen display with DAB radio and RDS and is compatible with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™.
The ‘X-Line S’ variant adds an electric sunroof and chrome exterior door handles to differentiate the model visually from the ‘X-Line’, as well as the addition of automatic air conditioning, cruise control and speed limiter, heated front seats and steering wheel and a smart key with engine start/stop button. There’s a dual height luggage area floor, and both driver and front passenger sunvisors feature a vanity mirror, with illumination on the driver’s side. A wireless mobile phone charger is included, along with a 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with RDS and DAB radio and Kia Connected Services.
The ‘GT-Line’ model also has 16-inch alloy wheels plus sports front and rear bumpers and side sills, a dual exhaust, black and red faux leather seats, matching black and red accents to the front armrests, the supervision instrument cluster, electric folding mirrors with LED indicators, satin chrome interior door handles, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, bi-function projection headlamp units, LED daytime running lamps and rear lights, a chrome beltline strip and Aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber inserts. The 7-inch touchscreen display with DAB radio and RDS and is compatible with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™, and rear parking camera and sensors complete the comprehensive equipment list on the ‘GT-Line’ grade
To this, ‘GT-Line S’ adds a wireless phone charger, an electric sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, a smart key and push-button engine start/stop, a dual-height boot floor, a luggage net and hooks and a driver’s-side illuminated vanity mirror. In addition, a 7-inch central display unit with satellite navigation and Kia Connected Services is standard equipment.
Connectivity and advanced driver aids
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ are fitted on all models from grade ‘3’ upwards. Once paired with a smartphone, occupants can play music, send and receive text messages and make phone calls using voice commands.
The full-colour display 7-inch touchscreen on grade ‘3’, ‘X-Line S’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models also supplies real-time traffic information and weather reports, local point of interest information and speed camera locations through Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom™. The system includes full satellite navigation and is linked to a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines to help the driver follow the perfect parking course.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) is standard from grade ‘3’ and optional on grades ‘1’ and ‘2’, along with the 2.6-inch supervision cluster, as part of the Advanced Driving Assistance package. Using a combination of camera and radar, it provides full braking between 5mph and 50mph and partial braking with a driver alert at up to 107mph. As a result, many potential collisions – with both vehicles and pedestrians – can be avoided, while the severity of others may be considerably reduced.
WARRANTY AND AFTER-CARE
Kia set a new benchmark in 2007 when it launched the cee’d with an industry-best seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. That demonstration of faith in the quality and reliability of Kia products was subsequently extended to every model.
A major benefit is that it is transferable to subsequent owners at no charge, as long as the seven-year time limit has not been reached and the mileage is below 100,000.
The mechanical warranty is supported by a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and a five-year paint warranty.
Servicing is required every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes soonest. The Picanto is available with Kia’s ‘Kia Care’ service plans, which have been developed to provide customers with a wide range of service plan options for any Kia model within the first seven years of the vehicle’s life – matching its industry-leading seven-year warranty.
The service plans include a comprehensive range of options including the original, traditional, first, third and fifth services and those in between, but in addition a customer can now purchase services up to and including the seventh service which matches the full length of the warranty. The plans are available for all Kia owners and can be purchased at any point of ownership for cars up to five years old.
The Kia Promise was introduced to give customers the best ownership experience by giving them access to seven key benefits. The Kia Promise is activated after purchase and is done by simply registering on the online portal, MyKia. Along with the industry leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, other benefits of the Kia Promise include complimentary seven day insurance and £250 Insurance Excess Return for one year; easy to use Click & Collect on Genuine Kia accessories; convenient online service booking; Family-Like Care and Accident AfterCare. Every new Kia also comes with complimentary Roadside Assistance for 12 months. When a customer registers on MyKia, Kia Roadside Assistance Plus, the highest level of cover provided by the RAC, can be unlocked, which includes onward travel and European cover.
FIVE MINUTES WITH PAUL PHILPOTT
Burning questions that you would love to ask our President and CEO
The Picanto is hugely important to the success of Kia in the UK and is our second best-selling model, behind the Sportage SUV. In 2018, almost 17,000 examples of the Picanto were registered in the UK, which was up by more than 22 per cent on the previous year. The smallest model in Kia’s line-up continues to grow, and this is due to the success of this third-generation car.
We never release sales or production targets for individual models; however, we expect the Picanto to continue to do well in the UK market.
Until there is some certainty around what the split from Europe means for the UK, it’s likely to continue to be turbulent in the new car market. Last year was once again another record year for Kia in the UK, with 97,323 cars delivered to customers during 2019. That represents an increase of 1.6 per cent, in a market that was down by 2.4 per cent and saw the lowest number of new vehicles registered since 2013. Last year, Kia moved up one place to number eight in the overall UK sales charts, which is a significant achievement in a sales environment that has been exceptionally tough.
The first year of the new decade is going to present a number of challenges – none more so than the switch from NEDC to WLTP CO2 emissions figures in April 2020. At a time when consumers expect to see ever-improving data, the change in regime means that all cars will see an increase to their emissions, meaning most owners will be paying more for their motoring each year. That’s a bitter pill to swallow for many and will take a lot of explaining in the showrooms. It will mean, however, that the fuel economy and CO2 emissions are more realistic in real-world driving and gives Kia the opportunity to fully leverage their range of highly efficient eco cars.
Mandatory CO2 standards for passenger cars were first introduced in 2009 by the European Union, and in 2020 a new, more stringent set of standards means that an average of 95g/km across the product range must be achieved. Failing to do so will result in significant fines, and therefore the primary focus of Kia Motors is to achieve the fleet CO2 average of 95g/km across the line-up.
There is a continued trend for customers to migrate away from traditional sectors towards SUVs, and we’re in a perfect position to deliver on the changing demand, with six key products in the Kia portfolio – Stonic, Niro, XCeed, Soul EV, Sportage and Sorento.
2019 was very much the year of the Ceed, with replacements for the hatchback and Sportswagon and new entrants into the market thanks to the all-new XCeed and ProCeed. Every Ceed derivative posted an increase on the year before, and it was a similar story for many models in the Kia range, which saw a rise compared to 2018. Highlights include the Niro, with a 44 per cent increase, a rise of more than 6 per cent for the Picanto and 44 per cent growth in Stinger sales. Sorento registrations rose, too, while the most popular model in the Kia range, the Sportage remained broadly static but still the highest selling and most popular model.
Alternative fuel vehicles are continually hitting the headlines, and here at Kia we are very well placed to provide customers with a wide range of different solutions to suit individual needs. In 2020, we are aiming for three in every ten cars we sell to be electrified in some way. With both the pure electric e-Niro and Soul EV, we are ahead of the curve in offering customers a choice of electric solutions to solve their mobility issues. For those that prefer a plug-in hybrid vehicle, we now have three, thanks to the recently refreshed Niro and the newly introduced Ceed Sportswagon and all-new XCeed. The top selling Sportage is fitted with mild hybrid technology on all of the diesel variants and this technology will soon be available on the Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon and XCeed, too.
The Picanto family is an important part of our model range, and this success is now doubt down to the wide range of versions that we offer here in the UK. The ‘X-Line’ models deliver a great package for those attracted to SUV-influenced styling, wrapped up in a compact footprint, while the ‘GT-Line’ offer sporty looks and sparkling performance. The city car segment is hugely competitive, and the Picanto is the fourth best-seller in the category.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’ve anticipated what you’re likely to ask us
The 1.2-litre engine is the most popular powerplant in the Picanto, and that’s no doubt down to the fact that it is offered on all but the entry-level Picanto ‘1’ grade. The 1.0-litre engine accounted for a third of all registrations last year, while the 1.0 T-GDi unit, the most powerful ever in a Picanto, and sold exclusively in ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ equipment levels, accounts for more than seven per cent of all sales.
Grade ‘2’ is the best-selling equipment level, with a third of all buyers opting for it in 2018, while 36 per cent of customers choose either the ‘X-Line’ or ‘GT-Line’ family of models.
Demand for traditional three-door hatchbacks is decreasing – there are no plans to introduce a three-door Picanto to the range. In previous generations of Picanto, the three-door made up only a very small proportion of total Picanto sales, with buyers favouring the more practical five-door hatchback bodystyle.
We are evaluating electric powertrains for all of our future products, but so far we have not made any announcements about electrification plans for the Picanto in its current generation.
The most powerful engine in the Picanto yet, the 1.0 T-GDi, accounts for around seven per cent of all Picanto sales, and that powerplant in the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ meets the needs of buyers that desire a sporty city car. We don’t believe that there would be sufficient demand for a hotter Picanto at this time.
Q Why isn’t the Picanto offered with a diesel engine?
The market for a diesel engine in a city car is extremely tiny, and we are therefore concentrating on petrol powerplants that suit the majority of buyers. And with a combined fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg, we believe that the 1.0-litre Picanto engine already delivers figures that would appeal to cost-conscious buyers looking to maximise fuel economy.
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