With ever-increasing pressure on budgets, the rising cost of fuel, and mounting congestion on our roads, the relevance of the so-called A-segment in South Africa has never been greater. Fortunately, this segment which continues to represent a significant percentage of monthly sales in our market remains hotly contested, with many options from notably established brands.
One of
Kia South Africa’s best-selling vehicles, the current third-generation
Picanto city car is scheduled for a noteworthy update in 2024. This aims to keep this important product fresh ahead of its Korean maker’s mandated shift towards a portfolio of battery-electric vehicles. Indeed,
Kia has stated that it will have no fewer than 15 all-electric vehicles by 2027, including a likely replacement for the current
Picanto.
Unveiled in its head-turning top-of-the-range
GT-Line specification, the updated compact hatch boasts an all-new bumper design, front and rear, as well as revised head- and tail lamp shapes that bring this model in line with other modern members of the
Kia family, including the Sportage.
While the LED lightbar that runs the width of the car’s new grille seems likely to be reserved for the flagship
GT-Line, a similar item incorporated within the tailgate will be standard fitment throughout the range. Expect entry-level models to feature 14-inch wheels (likely steel items with plastic covers), while 15- and even 16-inch alloy wheels will be reserved for other derivatives.
The updated
Picanto will be offered in a choice of nine exterior colours, including four all-new tones. Unfortunately, the rugged-looking X-Line derivative has been dropped from the lineup.
There are more colour options to be found in the cabin of the car as a choice of black, green or brown upholstery has been touted.
Updates to the
Picanto’s interior include the standard fitment of a 4.2-inch digital instrument display, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that can mirror either an Apple or Andriod smartphone’s screen via a cord. A new key fob has also been designed, while it remains to be seen whether cars destined for South Africa will have the new option of a sunroof.
With its exterior dimensions unaltered, the
Picanto still features a segment-competitive claimed 255 litres worth of luggage space.
Kia South Africa will offer the updated
Picanto with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with the choice of either a 5-speed manual transmission or a self-shifting (AMT) gearbox.
Pricing for the updated range will be confirmed closer to the car’s official launch date in South Africa.
