THE third generation of the Kia Picanto, revealed in March at the Geneva International Motor Show, is now available in the Philippines. In its latest form Kia’s city car has become more spacious and better equipped. Here are its other changes:
• Wheelbase is 15 millimeters longer, thanks to wheels pushed further out to the corners of the car (overhang in front is 25 millimeters shorter). This means more room for cargo — from 200 liters to 255 liters, with the rear seat up.
• Stretched wheelbase, wrap-around head lamps, strong horizontal lines visually lengthen the car — even if it’s not longer than the previous model.
• Three variants are available, including the new GT-Line identified by red, silver and black highlights on the grille, side intakes, side skirts and rear valance, as well as chrome-tipped twin exhausts.
• GT-Line and SL variants powered by 83hp, 122Nm, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engines, matched to four-speed automatic transmissions. Base SL variant comes with 66hp, 95Nm, 1.0-liter three-pot with a five-speed manual.
• Handling promises to be sportier via stiffer anti-roll bars and new trailing arms for the reshaped torsion beams in the rear. GT-Line’s 15-inch alloys help, too.
• Turning the car should be 13% quicker because of new steering rack (lock-to-lock goes from 3.4 turns to 2.8 turns.
• Added soundproofing panels beneath the dashboard and cabin floor, plus sound-absorbent foam on A-pillars and B-pillars, help reduce noise and harshness levels.
• Safety is ensured as nearly half of the bodyshell is cast in advanced high-strength steel, and the amount of structural adhesives has risen more than eight times as well.
