Kia Picanto 2020
Kia Lucky Motors have launched the second generation of Kia Picanto 2020 model in September 2019 in Pakistan and the bookings have been started already for the 2020 model. South Korean’s Kia Picanto is at top of the line among hatchback segment and it will be available in two trim levels including the manual Picanto variant and the continuously varying automatic Picanto. Kia Picanto first made a debut in 2004 around the globe and it shared the same manufacturing platform with the Hyundai i10. It has been liked over its competitors because of its super refined engine that makes less noise complaints and the stylish appearance which makes it quite impressive among the line of dozens of other cars. The 2020 model will have some upgraded features inside the cabin plus the exterior will be refurbished with redesigned front grille and LED lights. Four color options will be provided in the 2020 model that includes bright red, light white, black aurora and grey titanium and it’s a possibility that a new exterior color may also be available in the upcoming model.
Engine and performance:
It is powered by 1.0 liters three in line cylinder 998cc twelve valve DOHC engine that produces a maximum power of 68 hp and maximum torque of 96 Nm. it has a fuel tank capacity of thirty five liters and provides a mileage of 11.5 kilometers per liter in cities while 14 kilometers per liter on highways. NEDC has rated a coverage of twenty three kilometers per liter by Picanto on an average which shows it has a very good fuel economy. The non turbo engine works well in this city car and it runs fast in city traffic getting up to seventy miles per hour without much effort but motorway driving requires patience and much effort. It offers both manual and automatic transmission but the 5 speed manual transmission delivers more engine performance than the automatic transmission. handling of Picanto feels more at home as compared to its rivals darting into bends surprisingly despite its little hard steering but it should be mentioned here that Picanto’s steering feel is very light at low speeds.
Exterior design and features:
This city car is 3595 millimeters in length, 1595 millimeters in width and 1490 millimeters in height. It has been restyled with tiger nose shaped aggressively imparted radiation grille on frontal fascia that have multi focus reflector headlamps on sideways while the electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors are new in the list. Fourteen inches wheels with optional alloy rims have full grip on roads and provide a smooth jerk free ride and the day time running lamps assists your driving in all type of weather conditions. It is also equipped with rear combination lamp, micro type antenna, rear windshield wipers and body colored outside door handles.
Interior design and features:
The interior design of Picanto 2020 is fit and fine with comfortable driver’s seat and well positioned pedals while top of the line package also offers central arm rest to lean on. It offers a seating capacity for five passengers but the rear seats are a bit congested and uncomfortable.
Dashboard design is kept simple with big and well placed buttons making it easy to use and a seven inches color touch screen is fixed on the console having compatibility for Apple car play and Android auto interface for infotainment while lower trim levels provide radio connectivity through 3.8 inches monochrome screen. Top of the line trims also provide wireless mobile phone charging facility. The material used for the cabin is textured in such a way that it does not look cheap and give graceful soft touch. Visibility from the front screen is made clear by front pillars and assists drivers to see the roads easily. Parking sensors and rear view camera is only offered by top trims.
New features in Kia Picanto 2020:
It has been upgraded with seven inches touch screen with 3D navigation system, multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth, seven air bags, rear view camera, rear window defroster, and ISOFIX system for holding children’s seats, progressive electric steering and direction with progressive electrical assistance.
Major competitors:
Major competitor of Kia in Pakistan is merely Suzuki motors and specifically when talking about Kia Picanto then Cultus and Wagon R are considered to be major rivals of it.
Price:
The manual trim of Kia Picanto 2020 is priced at 18.9 lacs Pakistani rupees while the automatic trim is priced at 19.9 lacs Pakistani rupees.