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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