The all-new Kia Picanto made its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and wowed the crowd with the qualities it offers as an A-segment vehicle.
The totally redesigned Picanto might look a bit like a simpleton, but underneath its small body it is actually quite a car. It will be available as 5-door and 3-door body styles and a range of very clean engines. It even has a 90 g/km CO2 version with 67.3 mpg which is exempted from tax and congestion charges.
The new Kappa engine for this car will be available in three versions. A four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that generates 85 ps and 121 Nm of torque tops the line-up. Two three-cylinder, 998 cc units will present customers with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) – Bi-fuel is available in selected countries but not the UK. The petrol engine produces 69 ps and 95 Nm of torque. The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque.
Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 99 to 125 g/km. Fuel economy will range from 67.3 to 42.2 mpg, contributing to lower running costs.
2012 Picanto is also significantly improved in terms of ride and handling thanks to the new MacPherson strut front suspension, and Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at the rear. The Picanto’s all-disc braking system, which is standard on all models fitted with Electronic Stability Control, is backed up with standard ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.
A comprehensive list of safety features including up to six airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist plus a stiff and well engineered body shell make sure the car will get the full five-star safety rating. It is also good for pedestrians with a new cross-member below the front bumper, creating a deformable cowling ahead of the windscreen and off-setting the hood striker by 50 mm from the car’s centre line.
The list of features and equipments of the car on include automatically controlled air-conditioning, electronic and heated folding door mirrors with side repeaters, automatic light control with ‘escort’ and ‘welcome’ modes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, retractable dual cup holder. Other new features available include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, AUX, iPod and USB connections for the RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth hands-free with voice recognition, heated front seats and Intelligent Stop and Go that further enhances fuel economy.
ngine
| 1.25-litre | 1.0-litre | 1.0-litre Bi-fuel | ||
| Displacement | cc | 1,248 | 998 | 998 |
| Power output | ps | 85 @ 6000 rpm | 69 @ 6200 rpm | 82 @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque output | Nm | 121 @ 4000 rpm | 95 @ 3500 rpm | 94 @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine details | Kappa 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT | Kappa 3-in-line, DOHC three-cylinder with dual CVVT | ||
Transmission
| Transmission type | Five-speed manual | Five-speed manual | Five-speed manual |
| Four-speed auto | |||
Suspension, steering and braking
| Front axle | Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts with coil spring, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll stabiliser bar. |
| Rear axle | Semi independent CTBA with separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Braking system | Ventilated front discs 241 x 18 mm, and solid rear discs (234mm x 10mm) with ABS and EBD and ESC |
| Steering | MDPS electric power-assisted, rack-and-pinion, 3.4 turns lock-lock |
| Wheels | 13 inch x 4.0B/ 14 inch x 5.0J/ 15 inch x 5.5J |
| Tyres | 155/70 R13 / 165/60 R14 / 175/50 R15 |
Dimensions and weights
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,385 | ||
| Overall l / w / h | mm | 3,595 / 1,595 / 1,480 | ||
| Front / Rear overhang | mm | 700 / 510 | ||
| Front / Rear track | mm | 1,421 / 1,424 | ||
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room front | mm | 1,002 / 1,070 / 1,290 | ||
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room rear | mm | 962 / 820 / 1,280 | ||
| Minimum kerb weight (manual)* | kg | 855 | 845 | 885 |
| Maximum kerb weight (manual)* | kg | 955 | 945 | 985 |
| Turning circle | metres | 9.8 | ||
| Drag coefficient | Cd | 0.31 | ||
Performance and fuel consumption
| 1.25-litre | 1.0-litre | 1.0-litre Bi-fuel | ||
| Acceleration (0-100 kph)* | seconds | 11.4 | 14.4 | 14.4 |
| Maximum speed* | kph | 171 | 153 | 153 |
| Fuel consumption** | mpg | 65.8 | 67.3 | 47.9 (LPG) |
| CO2 CO2 (with ISG) |
g/km | 105 100 |
99 95 |
95 90 |
| Fuel tank capacity | litres | 35 | 35 | 35 LPG /10 petrol |
* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates
** Combined cycle
