New Picanto safety

Safety has benefited from a comprehensive approach. The new Picanto boasts a full range of standard features that should an accident occur it ensures that all passengers are kept as secure as possible. The new Picanto’s defences begin with an incredibly stiff all-new body structure featuring a high percentage of high-strength steel with ring-shaped reinforcement hoops within the B- and C-pillars and additional bracing at the front between the cowl and suspension towers.

A stiff body structure with optimum crumple zones to absorb crash impacts while preventing intrusion into the passenger cell, and a complete set of passive safety equipment to cushion occupants. Pedestrians are not forgotten, either, with measures to minimise any injury should the car come into contact with the most vulnerable road users.

To aid side-impact protection, the B-pillars and side sills are reinforced with high-tensile steel plates, while the anti-intrusion door beams are extended to overlap the B-pillars. Polyurethane pads are fitted within the front door trims. Pedestrian safety is enhanced by a new cross member beneath the front bumper, plus a deformable cowling ahead of the windscreen and a bonnet striker plate which is offset by 50mm from the centre-line of the car.

Kia’s approach is that the most survivable accident is the one that never happens, and the new Picanto has a full range of electronic safety measures to help ensure that crashes will be a rarity. It comes as standard with the potentially life-saving feature of electronic stability control (ESC) to keep the car on course in slippery conditions or when cornering in an over-exuberant manner.

All versions have anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS), ensuring maximum stopping power regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver.

Hill-start assist control (HAC) is also standard. This holds the car briefly when the driver releases the brake pedal while setting off on slopes to help ensure it does not roll back. VSM connects the ESC and steering systems, improving the safety of the vehicle by detecting and minimising skidding by controlling over-steer in adverse conditions and helping to reduce the risk of accidents.

Adaptive Brake Lights (Emergency Stop Signalling) are also a standard feature. When sensors detect a sharp deceleration in emergency braking conditions, the brake lights flash three times to warn other drivers that the car is braking sharply. This gives other motorists following behind more time to react and potentially avoid a hazardous situation ahead.

And should the worst happen, every Picanto has six airbags as standard (front, side and curtain) to cushion heads and torsos against impacts. Front seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

Security features include burglar alarm, visible VIN and remote central locking with fold-away key.

Continued…New Picanto equipment