There was a time when the automobile was associated with individual freedom of movement. It was treated as a valuable tool to freely enjoy the ability to move wherever one wanted.
Surely in a time with fewer limitations, fewer prohibitions and when electrification was almost a matter of science fiction.
A reflection that is relevant seeing that Kia speaks of its new Picanto as a car for “drivers to enjoy their freedom.” It is, without a doubt, a good approach that appeals to an aspect as important as the freedom of movement of people.
In any case, we are talking about a popular, small and practical car, one of the most affordable cars that can currently be purchased in our market.
A new Kia urban model, which belongs to the A segment, which has completely changed its image, and is now more modern and sporty, is better equipped and has more efficient engines.
With this new aesthetic approach, Kia says it is the perfect vehicle for creating lasting memories in an urban lifestyle.
“From working urban professionals to young adults using their first car: Part of the Kia Picanto’s enduring success is its appeal to a very broad audience,” says Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Europe.
And the reflection of the European director goes a little further: “At a time when societies are fighting against rising prices, when debates about urban space and quality of life are increasingly intense, the “The new Picanto allows customers to enjoy the freedom that movement brings.”
The smallest car in the Kia family measures 3.59 meters in length and follows the same path as its older brothers, with a much more daring image than the previous model.
The new style is reflected, above all, in the front with three-pointed star-shaped headlights joined together by a central section.
The GT-line version shows a bumper with a large air intake and can mount wheels between 14 and 16 inches. Likewise, it has square-shaped rear lights joined together, and the rear bumper incorporates a sporty-looking diffuser.
Kia only offers two gasoline engines: 1.0 (three-cylinder) and 1.2 (four-cylinder). The previous 100 HP engine with turbo disappears. Both engines receive mechanical improvements to reduce consumption and emissions.
They do not incorporate hybridization, neither light nor conventional, which is why they are labeled C by the DGT. The gearbox can be manual or automatic: manual type with controlled clutch, called AMT in both engines, always five speeds.
Driving assistance systems can incorporate emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, lane maintenance and driver attention warning in case the driver stops acting on the steering wheel.
Although it is an affordable urban car, Kia has not neglected the safety, comfort and driving assistance systems. Depending on the version, the Picanto may incorporate assistance to avoid frontal collisions and emergency braking assistant with recognition of pedestrians and cyclists.
Also available will be Blind Spot Assist, Lane Following Assist, Fatigue and Lane Departure Detection, Intelligent Speed ??Limit Recognition Assist and Lane Following Assist. Really complete.
It comes standard with a navigation system with an 8-inch floating touch screen and a 4.2-inch high-resolution digital screen in the instrumentation.
The navigation system with 8-inch touch screen includes Bluetooth multi-connection. This makes it possible to link up to two mobile devices at the same time: one for hands-free smartphone use and content playback, the other only for content playback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems are included as standard.
Kia Connect technology comprises a range of services such as real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POI) and data on potential on- and off-street parking locations.
For its part, online voice recognition allows users to search for points of interest, addresses or updated weather information. The new online navigation service uses real-time and historical traffic data, stored in the cloud, to predict faster and more accurate routes.