Pricing: local Kia Picanto range gains more safety and tech!

Kia Motors South Africa has announced an updated for its 2020 Picanto line-up, handing the small hatchback more tech and safety equipment. 

Beginning with the entry-level Start derivative, various safety features including a front passegner airbag (complementing the existing driver's side item) and ABS braking complete the upgrade. Isofix child anchorage points have been added, too. Already included in the Start package is power-steering, manual air-con and a radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The 13-inch steel wheels remain.

Start models employ the Korean automaker’s 1,0-litre three-pot (good for 49 kW and 96 N.m), coupled with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Priced from R167 995 for the manual, the base Picanto now demands a R5 000 premium over the pre-updated version.

Street models gain an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, electric windows all-round and heated door mirrors. A multifunction steering wheel and height-adjustable driver’s seat remain part of the package, while this model's 14-inch steel wheels benefit from a redesigned plastic cover design. Two engine options are on offer, a 1,0- and 1,2-litre, specified with either manual or automatic transmission, priced from R179 995 for the 1,0 manual to R202 995 for the 1,2 auto.

Next in the range is the Picanto Style. Trimmed as such, the small hatchback gains a leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel and gear shifter, while the side mirrors now sport integrated indicators. Style derivatives ditches the lower-tier models’ steel wheels in favour of 14-inch alloy items. Priced from R 189 995, the Style offers the same engine and gearbox options as the Street.

According to Kia, customers of the top-tier Smart models offered “insightful feedback” on what they regard as the most and then least important features for a city roundabout. For the Smart derivatives, Kia has added a sunroof as standard, while park distance control and a reverse camera are optional. LED daytime-running lights, alloy wheels and leather-trimmed interior are included in the package.

The top-of-the-range Picanto sports a 1,2-litre four-pot, available with the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed self-shifter. This naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces 61 kW and 122 N.m of torque.

All Picanto veriants ship standard with a two-year/30 000 km service plan, plus five-year warranty, including roadside assistance.

See full pricing for the updated local line-up of the Picanto below…

Picanto 1.0 START Manual             R167 995

Picanto 1.0 START Auto                R181 995

Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual           R179 995

Picanto 1.0 STREET Auto               R193 995

Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual            R188 995

Picanto 1.2 STREET Auto               R202 995

Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual              R189 995

Picanto 1.0 STYLE Auto                  R203 995

Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual               R198 995

Picanto 1.2 STYLE Auto                   R212 995

Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual              R219 995

Picanto 1.2 SMART Auto                  R233 995

See Full Kia Picanto price and specs here