Kia Picanto upgraded with turbo and driver-assist systems

MANILA: Kia’s smallest unit is getting its biggest update yet — a recently launched turbocharged engine and the Korean automaker’s advanced safety tech systems, among many others.

All models of the new Picanto get a host of aesthetic and intrinsic improvements that not only enhances looks and performance, but also increases the safety level that it provides.

Both the GT-Line and the X-Line now sport the "tiger nose" grille featuring a new textured appearance and open-link design. On each side of the grille are red highlights (GT-Line) or black trim (X-Line), which resemble air intakes. It uses a slimmer fog lamp design, new headlamps and four-bulb DRLs (daytime running lamps), and LED rear combination lamps. Bumpers are also new, with sharper creases in the body. The GT-Line comes with a larger air intake in the lower bumper while the X-Line mimics an SUV look with protective skid plates.

Inside, the Picanto gets an eight-inch infotainment screen and a 4.2-inch digital display in the instrument panel. Up to two mobile devices can connect via Bluetooth, plus it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aside from audio entertainment, the big display provides drivers live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and pertinent details using Kia’s UVO Connect telematics technologies. It gets either black fabric or synthetic leather, depending on the trim, new upholstery textures, and black/silver or gloss black accents on the door panel, dashboard, and gear selector. Kia also offers four color packs (Lime, Orange, Red, and Green) that different color stitching, highlights, and accents.

Two new gasoline engines have been introduced to the model. The Smartstream 1.0L T-GDi turbo (98hp) and the 1.0-liter naturally aspirated version (66hp). Both engines use an Integrated Thermal Management System for varied cooling characteristics based on the engine’s operating temperature.

It’s the first Kia model with the new automated manual transmission that’s based on a five-speed manual gearbox, has a clutch, but also gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation.

Last but not the least, the Picanto gets Kia’s latest ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) like forward collision-avoidance assist  with vehicle and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Picanto is available with blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and lane following assist. Several of these though will be trim specific.

The LFA uses front-facing camera and sensors to check road markings and to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane. RCCA alerts the driver and stops the vehicle if it detects another car coming from either left or right while it’s backing out of a parking slot.

Standard to the Picanto are emergency stop signal, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management, torque vectoring by braking, cornering brake control, and straight-line stability systems.

“The Picanto is one of our bestselling models in several regions worldwide, and a particular favorite among European A-segment drivers. The upgrades to the model are designed to keep the Picanto one step ahead of its competitors thanks to its vibrant design and fun-driving attitude, combined with ‘class-above’ connectivity and safety technologies. We are confident the updated Picanto will further extend our market share in this highly competitive segment,” said Kia Motors Europe Chief Operating Officer Emilio Herrera.

Photos from Kia

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