Tag: Picanto

UK line up confirmed for revised KIA Picanto and Rio

Kia is cutting a dash this autumn, with updates to its small car collection. On sale from today, the Picanto and Rio both adopt a series of changes to the interior and exterior. Key highlights include the introduction of a new Automated Manual Transmission and ‘Smartstream’ powertrains on the Picanto and a 48-volt mild hybrid ‘Eco-Dynamics+’ drivetrain for the Rio. That’s alongside engine enhancements, revisions to the model line-up, upgrades to technology, the addition of extra equipment, and the latest safety systems.

Picanto: More distinctive with ‘class-above’ technology
The smallest model in Kia’s line-up has been substantially upgraded with a new range of safety systems and telematics technologies that you’ll normally see on more expensive models. The revised Picanto features lower CO2 emissions from its new ‘Smartstream’ powerplants and adopts bold styling updates, both inside and out.

The upgraded Picanto brings with it a suite of advanced safety technology from Kia’s larger cars, making it among the safest cars in its class. It also offers Kia’s new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics technologies, enhancing vehicle connectivity, with a new 8-inch touchscreen display now offered on grade ‘3’ models and above.

The ‘face’ of both the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ Picanto models has been revised to give each car a more purposeful design. This starts with the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, which features a new textured surround and open-link appearance. The chrome-effect surround forms a sweeping shape that extends into the lower part of the headlights and gives the car a wider, more planted appearance. Each side of the ‘tiger-nose’ features a red highlight on ‘GT-Line’ models or more technical black trim on ‘X-Line’ models to resemble air intakes.

Both versions of the car now feature redesigned headlights and four-bulb LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the car also features a new LED rear combination lamp design and a slimmer fog light design, creating a more recognizable rear light signature at the same time.

Each of the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ models features refreshed front and rear bumper designs with sharper creases in the bodywork for a more contemporary appearance. The changes create a more rugged, robust-looking design for ‘X-Line’ models and, for ‘GT-Line’ models, an appearance which visually links the car to higher-performance ‘GT’ models in Kia’s model range. The larger, wider air intake in the lower bumper is accented by the ‘GT-Line’ body-colored bumpers with gloss black highlights and jewel-like fog lamps. ‘X-Line’ models echo the appearance of SUV protective skid plates, with metal-effect trim bearing the ‘X-Line’ logo, and a gloss black surround which extends from the front grille into the wheel arch surrounds at the side of the car.

The upgraded Picanto offers a choice of eight vibrant paint finishes, designed to make the car stand out. A new alloy wheel design for grade ‘2’ strengthens the Picanto’s sporty character and is a 16-spoke, 14-inch design.

UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ telematics with new 8-inch touchscreen
The Picanto features a larger 8-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen navigation system, replacing the earlier 7-inch system. It also features Bluetooth multi-connection, enabling users to pair up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and media use, the other for media use only. The system features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard.

Offering Kia’s UVO system, the Picanto gives drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location, and availability. The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, enables owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey; check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.

New ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines
The latest Picanto is available with two new ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines, each maximizing efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. The engine line-up features a 1.0-liter T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine producing 99bhp, or a 1.0-liter DPi (Dual-Port fuel injection) engine producing 66bhp.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on all of the engine choices, with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) available on all grades, except ‘1’.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
The updated Picanto is the first model equipped with Kia’s new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The AMT is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation and gear shifts. Using a single dry clutch, the AMT is a cost-effective option for customers who favor the convenience and ease-of-use of an automatic transmission, without sacrificing the fuel efficiency of a conventional manual transmission.

New Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) Systems
Several of Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a range of new active safety systems to enhance occupant safety, make the Picanto one of the safest cars in its class.

Standard from specification ‘2’ and upwards, the Picanto’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with a vehicle and pedestrian detection. The updated Picanto is also equipped with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Torque Vectoring by Braking, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Straight-line Stability (SLS) systems as standard, helping drivers maintain control under braking and cornering. The updated Picanto is now fitted with seven airbags as standard throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag. It also features an ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.

Rio: Updated design, mild-hybrid technology, and new connectivity
A range of enhancements has been revealed for the Rio this autumn, with mild hybrid technology the headline act, alongside new ‘Smartstream’ engines and a ‘clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission designed to enhance efficiency.

The revised Rio introduces updated exterior and interior styling, alongside new safety equipment, Kia’s brand new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect infotainment system, and a new larger 8-inch touchscreen.

Changes to the exterior styling include a narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a lower, wider front bumper and bolder fog light surround. A new 16-inch eight-spoke alloy wheel design is introduced for grade ‘3’ models and two new colors are introduced – Storm Grey and Azure Blue – bringing the color palette choices to seven.

Inside, the Rio brings together a range of visual, material, and technological updates to create a more upscale and enhanced quality ambiance. The biggest change is the introduction of a new larger 8-inch touchscreen on grade ‘2’ models and above and a higher-resolution color 4.2-inch supervision cluster display.

‘EcoDynamics+’ petrol mild hybrid with new intelligent Manual Transmission
The Rio is the first Kia powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain pairs Kia’s new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with Kia’s 48-volt MHEV system, maximizing fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance and regenerative braking.

‘EcoDynamics+’ has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, seamlessly deploying and recuperating electric power. The system supplements the engine’s torque output with power from a compact 48-volt lithium-ion polymer battery and extends the engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) unit.

The MHSG is connected by a belt to the engine’s crankshaft and switches seamlessly between ‘motor’ and ‘generator’ modes. In ‘motor’ mode, under acceleration, the MHSG provides electric power assistance to reduce engine load and emissions. As the car decelerates, the MHSG has the ability under certain conditions to switch to ‘generator’ mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery.

The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain reduces Rio’s CO2 emissions and is offered on the 118bhp versions of the new engine. 48-volt powertrains with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT) will be equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, giving drivers the choice to customize their drive with ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’ modes.

The Rio ‘EcoDynamics+’ is also one of the first models from Kia to be equipped with the brand’s new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The ‘clutch-by-wire’ system contributes to the MHEV system’s greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual transmission. Instead of a mechanical linkage, the iMT’s clutch is controlled purely electronically. It integrates seamlessly with the MHSG to switch off the engine earlier than Kia’s Idle Stop & Go start-stop system when coasting to a halt, improving overall fuel efficiency.

The 1.25-litre ‘Smartstream’ engine
There is a further petrol engine in the Rio line-up, a four-cylinder 16-valve unit featuring Dual-Port injection technology. The 1.25-liter unit is from the ‘Smartstream’ family of engines and has been redesigned compared to the engine in the previous Rio.

Cutting-edge ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect infotainment
Offering Kia’s UVO system, the Rio is among the first Kia vehicles to offer new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics features. Rio gives drivers access to a range of ‘Phase II’ On-Board Services, in addition, to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location, and availability. The system also features Online Voice Recognition, supported by server technologies, which lets users give voice commands, hands-free, to search for nearby POIs, addresses, weather updates, or send text messages.

The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, also offers a range of new ‘Phase II’ features, enabling owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.

October 23, 2020
Kia Picanto is named Best Value Car by Sunday Motor Awards!

Kia Picanto has been awarded with the Best Value Car at the Sunday Times Motor Awards 2019 event. The vehicle was launched back in 2017 with a wide range of standard features – smartphone incorporation, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and a larger 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation.

The editors and writers of the Sunday Times Driving and Driving.co.uk along with the specialists from Times Luxx magazine and Sun Motors have managed to draw up shortlists for each of the categories. However, the winners are those who chose the Picanto as the winner at the event.

As it seems, the agile engine, along with the compact packaging and fun-to-drive character are key features for nominating the vehicle as one of the few finalists and eventually winning the format. Kia Picanto is a representative of the so-called A-segment city vehicle and comes with ample interior space, sexy exterior looks, high specification and competitive pricing.

SEE ALSO: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera wins “Sportscar of the Year” award! Details here!

Other Kia vehicles that have won or were nominated for Times Motor Awards are the e-Niro, ProCeed and many more. Additionally, Kia has also been named Best Manufacturer of the year!

Source: Kia

October 3, 2019
Kia Picanto Facelift to be Unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

Kia is going to debut a facelifted version of the Picanto model at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car will feature updated exterior and interior design with new customization options, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment as well as refined 1.0-litre petrol engine. The stylish A-segment city hatchback will be offered in both three- and five-door variant. In terms of exterior design, the upgrades are seen at the front. The new Picanto features redesigned front bumper and ‘tiger-nose’ grille. To match the new front appearance, the rear received new bumper two. The customers will get the chance to choose a new 14-inch alloy wheel design, and the inclusion of an optional sport pack.

The interior updates corise of new chrome accents surrounding the instrument binnacle and dashboard air vents, as well as brand new cloth upholstery pattern. In addition, more modern fascia now surrounds the Picanto’s audio system.

The optional features list includes latest generation of Kia’s audio-video navigation system with a large 7.0-inch display screen, cruise control and speed limiter system. There are also available three interior colour packs. The Red Pack includes black artificial leather and red cloth seats and high-gloss red and black door panel inserts.

The second one, Yellow Pack, features black artificial leather and cloth seat upholstery with yellow stitching, bright yellow dashboard and steering wheel trim. The third one is called premium Brown Pack and it offers classy brown artificial leather seats, brown door trim and high-gloss piano black dashboard trim. Footwell illumination comes as a standard with each of the three colour packs.

The braking performance was also improved, delivering reduced stopping distance. The brakes at the front are now larger – 252 mm, in comparison to the previous 241 mm brakes. They are available as an option and allow the car to stop from 100 km/h in just 37 metres. This is an improvement of 2 metres. The modifications regarding the 1.0-litre Multi-Point Injection engine, ensuring the car meets strict Euro 6 emissions standards.

2015 Kia Picanto Facelift will go on sale in Europe by the end of March, after making an official debut in Geneva.

Source: Kia

February 3, 2015
New Kia Models for 2014

Kia has announced four new high-spec models, which will satisfy the demands of customers seeking even greater luxury. The new models will also help Kia to maintain its phenomenal record-breaking sales growth in the UK. The new models include Sorento KX-4, Picanto “4” and Rio “4” as well as the pro Ceed SE Tech.

2014 Kia Sorento KX4 comes with standard 2.2 litre CRDi turbodiesel engine. There is also Parallel Park Assist, memory seat function on the driver’s seat, 19” alloy wheels, rear side door sunshade blinds and a silver front mesh grille and chrome surround add identifiable touches to the Sorento’s road presence. The Sorento KX-4 is priced at £36,495.

2014 Kia pro Ceed SE Tech is available exclusively with a 1.6 litre 126HP CRDi turbodiesel engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. It is able to return 65.7 mpg UK and CO₂ emissions of 112g/km. 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (122 mph). The standard equipment includes black leather seats with contrasting mesh inserts, an electric tilting and sliding sunroof with an automatic electric roller blind, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors and Kia’s Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS). The pro Ceed SE Tech is priced at £22,795.

2014 Kia Picanto 4 is ered by a 1.25 litre 84HP petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox and ISG engine stop/start system. The standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED rear combination lights, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and heated front seats. The Picanto 4 is priced at £11,995.

2014 Kia Rio 4 boasts a smart key with engine start button, a power sliding and tilting sunroof, black leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. It has a 1.4 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 107HP connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also a 1.4 liter CRDi diesel with 6-speed manul transmission. The Rio 4 starts at £16,595.

Source: Kia

April 4, 2014
Kia Launches VR7 Line For Picanto, Rio, Cee’d

Kia are planning to introduce a new range for the Picanto, Rio and, cee’d (low-case spelling) models. It’s called the VR7 which sounds sporty but it really isn’t.

All VR7 models should have a high level of standard equipment. That means air conditioning, leathered steering wheel and gear shift knob, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and AUX ports. On the exterior the new trim-line cars will showcase a selection of features usually found on premium models: alloy wheels, reversing seonsrs, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, and electric windows on all doors.

The Kia Picanto VR7 comes in either a 3- or 5-door version. The latter holds a slightly more powerful 1.0 engine with 84 hp. (the 3-door has 68 hp). Either way, you get an entirely comprehensive automotive package complete with things such as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ESB), Brake-Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), six airbags and Hill-start Assist control (HAC).

The Kia Rio VR7 models are again in either 3- or 5-door shells. The 3-door Rio VR7 comes only with a 1.25-liter 84 hp engine and a 5-speed manual. All the while, the 5-door can have the same engine or a 1.1 CRDi diesel with 98 hp and a 6-speed manual ISG transmission. All the Rio models boast color-oriented bumpers, exterior door handles and door mirrors. Needless to say, ESC, VSM, HAC and Anti-theft Alarm System are again included.

Finally, the cee’d VR7 family. Weather you’re going to go with a pro_cee’d, a 3-door cee’d, a 5-door cee’d or a cee’d Sport Wagon, you will always end up with a 1.4 engine. All but one have the same power output: 98 hp. The one exception is the cee’d CRDi engine which develops 89 hp. All cee’ds have a 6-speed manual and all have a great bundle of standard extras: a rear spoiler, projection headlights, front fog lights and daytime running lights.

Source: Kia

January 22, 2014
2013 Kia Picanto LPG – 5.6 l / 100 km

Kia is going to introduce an LPG version of the small Picanto hatchback at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ultra-efficient small car will be able to run on either LPG or petrol.

2013 Kia Picanto LPG is powered by a 1.0 liter three-cylinder Kappa petrol engine with 67HP (49 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km (on LPG). The models equipped with automatic start-stop (ISG) achieve 5.6 liters / 100 km.

The new Picanto LPG is fitted with two fuel tanks – the regular 35-litre gasoline tank in the regular position ahead of the rear axle and a 27-litre pressurised LPG tank located beneath the trunk floor in the space previously occupied by the spare wheel. Drivers can switch from gasoline to LPG (and vice-versa) simply by pressing a button on the dashboard.

Initially, the bi-fuel model will be available in Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands – where it expected to account for up to 7% of Picanto sales. When it goes on sale later this year, the left-hand drive Picanto LPG will be the first, and only, LPG-powered car in the marketplace with a 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.

Source: Kia

August 16, 2013
2013 Kia Picanto City hits the market – Price £10,245

Kia has announced their latest model – the new three-door Picanto ‘City’, which hits the market on 1 October this year at the desirable price of £10,245.

The 2013 Picanto City comes with an exciting exterior look, with features including the signature red grille, 14” alloy wheels, chrome door handles, heated door mirrors and front fog lights. Metallic paint is a standard feature and the model is available in Blaze Red or Bright Silver, so you can arrive in the city with style. Its high specification includes reversing sensors, which make parking in those tight city centre spaces convenient and effortless.

The interior features premium cloth upholstery, ample storage for personal items and a leather trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Features unique to the ‘City’ include ambient LED lighting and a “Hollywood” style vanity mirror with three-stage illumination sequence. Bluetooth connectivity allows the driver to make hands-free calls via voice recognition and stream music wirelessly.

It is powered by a three-cylinder Kappa 1.0 MPI engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It returns up to 67.3 mpg UK on combined cycle and 99 g/km of CO2.

The safety is granted by Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill Assist Control. Significantly, ‘City’ is fitted with Cornering Brake Control, which is a first in the Picanto range. With six airbags, the ‘City’ is extremely safe and is also equipped with five three-point seatbelts all round, making it one of the few 5-seaters in its class.

Source: Kia

October 1, 2012

2012 Kia Picanto Price – £7 995

2012 Kia Picanto will hit the market on 17 June. This is the second-generation of the model and it is set to prove better quality at decent price. 2012 Picanto offers extremely low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as well as good performance. It is slightly larger than it predecessor and has more space and great comfort.

The engine range includes 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol power units. The 1.25 litre is also available with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as well as an automatic gearbox.

The three-cylinder 1.0 litre develops 68BHP and 95Nm and returns amazing 67.3 mpg. The bigger 1.25 litre four-cylinder has 84BHP and 121Nm and averages 60.1mpg. It available with both 5-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDynamics version is with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

2012 Picanto vs previous model (standard five-speed manual)

	New	Previous	New	Previous
	1.0	1.0	1.25	1.1
0-60mph (sec)	13.9	15.8	11.0	14.6
Top speed (mph)	95	93	106	96
Combined mpg	67.3	58.8	60.1	58.8
CO₂ (g/km)	99	114	109	114

Standard specification includes body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. There are also a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, a 60:40 split folding rear seat.

2012 Kia Picanto 07

Picanto 1 Air adds air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.

Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14” alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.

The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps.

The safety is at very high level. 2012 Picanto electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS). There are also 6 airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

As with all new Kias, a 7 year or 100 000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.

2012 Kia Picanto UK 5-door model range:

Powertrain	Trim	Power – bhp	Torque – lb/ft	CO₂	Combined mpg	Price
1.0-litre	1	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£7,995
1.0-litre	1 Air	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£8,595
1.0-litre	2	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£9,595
1.25-litre ISG	2 EcoDynamics	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	100	65.7	£10,195
1.25-litre Auto	2	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	125	53.3	£10,795
1.25-litre	3	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	109	60.1	£11,195

2012 Kia Picanto

Source: Kia

May 25, 2011

2012 Kia Picanto

Kia has exclusively unleashed the first studio images of its next-generation Kia Picanto urban ride, which now benefits from more sporty, expressive and self-confident styling. (more…)

January 4, 2011
Kia Picanto

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that the newly upgraded 2007 Kia Picanto will make its world premiere at the 34th Salon Internacional del Automovil in Barcelona, Spain on 7 June. Kia’s design teams in Korea and Europe have revisited the company’s smallest car, preserved its ‘young, sporty and friendly’ spirit, and evolved the new 2007 Picanto – a car with more glamorous looks, an upgraded interior and higher quality audio equipment.

Attractively refreshed and restyled to be ‘more rounded and intimate’, the 2007 Picanto is 40 mm longer, with an overall length of 3535 mm, featuring an extended, rounded nose and deeper, larger rear bumper. All-new panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, front bumper and rear bumper. The front and rear light clusters are new and follow the ‘rounded’ theme.

A new wider radiator grille, with black mesh background and twin horizontal chromed bars supporting the central Kia badge, is part of the evolving design process that is defining a new ‘Face of Kia’. The standard roof spoiler now extends across the full width of the car, while the wheelbase is unchanged at 2370 mm. Customers will be offered a choice of five new exciting, contemporary colours in a range of nine exterior colours.

“With nearly 400,000 exports since its introduction in 2004, the Picanto has not only opened the door to a segment where we previously had no presence but it has become one of the Kia line-up’s global best sellers,” commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation. “We are confident that with its fresh new looks and upgraded equipment the Picanto will continue to appeal to the world’s A-segment customers and reach annual overseas sales in excess of 130,000 units over the next several years.”

May 25, 2007