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Picanto's Interior

Manufactured exclusively at Kia's Seosan plant in Korea, Picanto's new found maturity is also reflected in the interior design, which sets a new benchmark in its class for material quality and trim choices, new Picanto will be presented in the UK with a wide range of six exterior colors.

New Picanto's sophisticated interior will offer buyers numerous 'big car' comfort and convenience features - many of them fitted for the first time on a car in this segment.

The interior architecture shows the same chic functionality as the exterior with major controls arranged in an attractive and easy to use layout which emphasizes the width and space of the interior. The thick rimmed two-spoke steering wheel and the signature Kia 'three cylinder' instrument cluster with its clear and precise graphics, reflect the consistency with which the new design philosophy is being used throughout the Kia product line-up.

New Picanto will also be available with 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 and retractable dual cup holders.

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.

Efficient Engines

In Europe, every new Picanto will come with a highly efficient Kappa engine that helps lower this model's CO2 base-line to just 95 g/km and improves fuel consumption to as much as 67.3 mpg.

Three versions of the Kappa will be offered - two in the UK. 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 hp and 95 Nm of torque. The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82 hp and 94 Nm of torque.

Made in Korea, the Kappa family of engines share many common characteristics, including dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), a cast aluminum block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free long-life timing chain and low-friction 'beehive' valve springs.

This combination of advanced technologies means that exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that the new, petrol only, 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.

Selected models will also be available with Kia's fuel-stretching EcoDynamics technologies (automatic stop-start - ISG, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tires), cutting emissions even further - to between 95 and 102 g/km.

The standard transmission for all engines in new Picanto will be a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.25-liter 85 hp engine.

Improved Ride, Stability and Braking

New Picanto's suspension and running gear has been developed from the previous model to retain that car's responsive handling while improving ride quality and refinement.

The MacPherson strut front suspension features an increased castor angle of 4.1 degrees, for enhanced straight-line driving stability, 12% softer springs and longer wheel travel with 20mm shorter bump-stops.

At the rear, the Coupled Torsion Beam Axle is 60% stiffer to reduce under-steer, with 29% softer springs, 15 mm shorter bump-stops and larger trailing-arm bushes for improved stability and a more compliant ride.

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. Stopping distance from 100 km/h (62 mph) is among the class-best at 135 feet (41.0 meters).

Kia Picanto: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications