Three years after its launch, the evergreen Kia Picanto has undergone a mid-life refresh along with the addition of Kia Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling.

 

A series of bespoke design details make the X-Line stand out from its siblings, including a redesigned radiator grille encompassing a new interpretation of Kia’s well known ‘tiger nose’, and an aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye catching LED headlights.

 

A bespoke and completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives the X-Line a go anywhere stance.

 

Creature comforts

The Kia Picanto X-Line comes standard with all the creature comforts expected in this class of vehicle. Replacing the Smart derivative in the Kia Picanto range, X-Line features a vast array of specification and features, including two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for the safety and convenience of screen mirroring services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and also incorporates a reverse camera.

 

Range updates

In addition to the introduction of the X-Line, Kia has also introduced subtle revisions to the remainder of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, the range specification has been revisited to ensure customers get the value for money that Kia is renowned for.

Feature highlights across the Start range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, bluetooth connectivity and two speakers to name a few. The Picanto Start retains its 13-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel covers.

 

On Street models, the most notable update is the addition of the eight-inch infotainment system with integrated rear-view camera which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The Picanto Style now has new alloy wheels that add to its value proposition which already includes automatic headlamps, electric folding mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift to name but a few.

 

Under the bonnet

Kia’s well loved 1.0 MPI and 1.25MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only offered with the 1.25-litre engine. The fuel efficient 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine produces 49kW and 96Nm, while the four-cylinder 1.25-litre develops 61kW and 122Nm. There is a choice between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Summary

The Kia Picanto has always been ahead of the pack with its amazing looks and incredible build quality. With its crossover styling the new X-Line brings a fresh spirit of adventure to the compact segment.

 

Pricing

Picanto 1.0 Manual START	R187 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic START	R201 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET	R201 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic STREET	R215 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET	R211 995
Picanto 1.0 Automatic STYLE	R225 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE	R210 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE	R224 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE	R220 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE	R234 995
Picanto 1.2 Manual X-Line	R237 995
Picanto 1.2 Automatic X-Line	R251 995
Picanto 1.0 Manual Runner	R207 995