(continued from above)
With looks that convey a sense of solidity and maturity, new efficient
engines and reduced CO2 emissions from 90 g/km, high levels of specification and
safety features, the Picanto will be offered for the first time with a choice of
5-door and 3-door body styles.
UK consumers will benefit from the next
generation Picanto's improved fuel economy and reduced ownership costs when the
model goes on sale later this year.
More Space and More Style
The Picanto is the newest member to join the exciting and stylish Kia
family. Kia has taken a courageous new step with the latest version of its
smallest model. The character of the car has been transformed from 'cute' and
'feminine' into mature and handsome, designed to turn heads on the high street,
thanks to its good looking, sexy proportions and dynamic design language. With a
greater sense of stability and strength which is emphasized by the muscular
wheel arches and wide set alloy wheels.
Up front, the face of the Picanto
expresses the same assertive vigor and refinement as its bigger brothers, the
Venga and the Sportage, and shares with them the same signature 'tiger nose'
grille. Picanto's daylight running lights emphasis the high level of design and
high tech sophistication.
This bold front end is supported by a
strongly-sculpted and dynamic body which embodies the strength and maturity of
the Picanto and gives the vehicle a real 'premium presence' on the road. The
strong body feature line along the flank brings a dynamic tension to the car's
profile and beautifully integrates the exterior door handles. This is just
another example of the attention to detail which will set the new Picanto apart
from its competitors.
Looking from the rear, the Picanto's new design
theme emphasizes modernity, with its large rear window framed by the unique rear
lamp graphic and supported by a strong purposeful bumper.
The 3-door
model, with its unique treatment to C-pillar, bumpers and grille, offers an
exciting exterior theme which will broaden the Picanto's appeal to a wider
audience when it goes on sale later in 2011.
The graphic composition of
the 3-door Picanto's front face has been subtly molded to increase the sporty
characteristics of the vehicle. The expression is more aggressive, the message
is livelier - this car is looking for action! Likewise from the rear, the
contrasting bumper insert emphasizes the car's width and strength. It's all
finely tuned to create a car with a distinctly different character to the 5-door
model.
While becoming more stylish, the new 3.6-meter long Picanto will
also remain an extremely practical car. On the outside, overall vehicle length
has increased by 60 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 15 mm. These increases,
and some clever interior packaging, have enhanced the cabin space for people
(front legroom is up by 36 mm), and for luggage, with boot capacity increased by
27% to 200 liters.
Attention to small details of the exterior design have
improved the new Picanto's aerodynamics, reducing its drag figure to just Cd
0.31 - better than the vast majority of A-segment cars.
Projection-style
headlamps and LED rear lamps will be available, together with a choice of steel
or alloy wheels up to 15 inches - bringing added sophistication to the exterior
appearance.
Kia expects the new 3-door model to account for around 30% of
Picanto sales. The sportier-looking 3-door will be key in driving 'conquest'
sales to new, younger consumer groups.
Kia Picanto: Review (2/2)