Kia Picanto: vibrant design and high-tech safety among latest updates
Kia has announced substantial upgrades to the Picanto for 2020, with its award winning supermini benefiting from a range of new safety and telematics technologies often reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles.
The upgraded model also boasts lower emissions from newly reengineered powertrains, and striking design updates both inside and out.
Kia Picanto styling
The Picanto line-up has received a comprehensive enhancement to its exterior design, with significant updates made to the sporty ‘GT-Line’ and SUV-inspired ‘X-Line’ models in particular.
The result is a refreshed, more distinctive appearance. This includes new bumpers, redesigned front lights and LED rear lights, plus bespoke versions of the Picanto's 'tiger nose' grille which features a new textured surround and open-link appearance. At the rear the car also features a new LED rear combination lamp design and a slimmer fog light design, creating a more recognisable rear light signature at the same time.
The rest of the range benefits from new colours and alloy wheel choices.
Kia Picanto interior
Inside, the Picanto features a series of visual and technological upgrades, centred around a larger 8.0-inch ‘floating’ widescreen infotainment and a high-resolution 4.2-inch digital driver display. The touchscreen also features Bluetooth multi-connection as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The Picanto also gives drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking via Kia’s UVO system.
Depending on trim level, the Picanto’s cabin is offered with black cloth or synthetic leather seats, with the upgraded model finished with a range of new upholstery textures for a more contemporary, higher quality look and feel.
The cabin is finished with black, silver or gloss black highlights in the door, on the dashboard and around the gear selector.
Kia Picanto engines
The upgraded Picanto is available with two new ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines. The engine line-up features a 1.0-litre T-GDi engine producing 100ps, and a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre engine producing 67ps, with both maximising efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors.
The updated Picanto will also the first model equipped with Kia’s new Automated Manual Transmission gearbox. The AMT is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation and gear shifts.
According to Kia, AMT is a cost-effective option for customers who favour the convenience and ease-of-use of an automatic transmission without sacrificing the fuel efficiency of a conventional manual.
