Small city cars might be falling out of fashion (more's the pity) but Kia is busily updating the small Picanto for us, and the revised model will go on sale towards the end of this year.
A European favourite
Kia says that the Picanto's safety package has been upgraded, and that its smallest car now features safety systems drawn from its larger models. It also gets new connectivity and infotainment systems, and a new lineup of 'Smartstream' engines.
Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The Picanto is one of our best-selling models in several regions worldwide, and a particular favourite among European A-segment drivers. The upgrades to the model are designed to keep the Picanto one step ahead of its competitors thanks to its vibrant design and fun-driving attitude, combined with 'class-above' connectivity and safety technologies. We are confident the updated Picanto will further extend our market share in this highly competitive segment."
New infotainment system
According to Kia, "the Picanto line-up has received a comprehensive enhancement to exterior design" although to be honest, we're not seeing dramatic changes ourselves. The radiator grille has been changed a little, and there are new headlights. GT-Line and X-Line models also get new red or black highlights. Those headlights now get LED daytime running lights while the rear lights are now fully LED. The X-Line and GT-Line versions also get new, chunkier, bumpers and bodykits, while there are also new 14-inch and 16-inch alloy wheel options.
Inside, there's a new eight-inch 'floating' infotainment screen, while the instrument panel also gets a new 4.2-inch full-colour digital info screen. The central screen gets a new 'UVO' connectivity package. Two mobile devices can be connected at one time - one for phone use and one for playing music, for instance - and there's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. There are some high-tech additions, too, including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking - including price, location and availability. You'll also be able to access vehicle details and settings via your smartphone.
Synthetic leather seats will be available as an option. Also available will be interior colour packs, which add little highlights of colour in seat trim and stitching, air vent surrounds, and more. Lime, Orange, Red, and Green colour packs will be available.
Choice of 1.0 petrol engines
The new 'Smartstream' engine lineup for the Picanto consists of two petrol-powered choices. Basically they're the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, with a choice of naturally-aspirated (with 67hp) or turbocharged (with 100hp) versions. The turbo version gets a new, high-pressure, fuel injection system, while both engines get a new 'Thermal Management System (ITMS)' which keeps each individual cylinder cooler and helps boost engine efficiency.
There's also the option of a new five-speed automated manual transmission.
Kia's also beefing up the Picanto's safety options, and depending on how the final Irish specs shake out, you'll be able to choose from Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with vehicle and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Lane Following Assist (LFA). The updated Picanto also gets as many as to seven airbags throughout the cabin, including a driver's knee airbag, depending on specification and market. It also features ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.