February 23rd 2004

After making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, Kia announce that the official UK launch of the Picanto will be May 27th, in time for The Sunday Times Motor Show.

The model line up for the UK will be GS, LX & SE trim with 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre petrol engines. Class leading CO2 figures - as low as 118 g/km - reflect Kia's push towards leaner, greener vehicles. A diesel version of the vehicle will be released in 2005. Promising 'best-in-class' cabin dimensions as well as four-seater and five-seater versions, with a choice of manual or automatic transmission (1.1-litre only).

A high standard specification is promised with disc brakes as standard - backed up by state-of-the-art ABS anti-lock and load-sensitive EBD (electronic brake force distributor). Safety is also a high priority with high-tensile steel beams in each door to resist side impact forces, reinforced front and rear bumpers, child safety locks on the rear doors and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants. Driver and passenger front airbags are installed as standard, while side airbags in both front seats are also available.

Security on Picanto is enhanced by the fitting of central locking and remote releases for both the tailgate and the fuel filler flap. Picanto is fitted with an engine immobiliser and (as an option) keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm.

Colours & pricing have yet to be announced but Picanto will be backed by 3 year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty with 3 years' European roadside assistance.

Paul Williams, Managing Director, Kia Motors UK said: "The Picanto is a fresh and new entrant into what is becoming a dynamic and competitive market segment. With a modern European-focussed design, a fun driving experience and high specifications at very competitive prices, the Picanto will meet the needs of a new and younger customer base for Kia."

September 9th 2003

Kia launch the all new super-mini named the 'Picanto', derived from the French word ‘piquant’, meaning ‘spicy’ and ‘canto’ meaning ‘song’. The styling reflecting future trends in the A-segment market, where the percentage of five-door/five-seat cars is expected to increase over the next few years. At the same time, a shift toward five-door models in general will see this section of the market increase considerably.

A high volume product designed to achieve strong penetration particularly in Europe, the Picanto will contribute significantly to Kia's goal of tripling sales in the region by 2005 and raise awareness of the Kia brand in general.

Designed to fit squarely in the A-segment, the Picanto continues the process of matching vehicles to the European market. The Kia range currently covers around 35% of segmentation. By 2005 this will increase to around 85% as vehicles are developed to more closely match European tastes.

Exterior

An in-house team headed by Kang Lee designed the Picanto, incorporating input from Kia's European R&D centre. Combining wide-eyed appeal with sporty, modern lines, the exterior of the car is clearly inspired by European tastes and preferences. Designer Kang Lee gave it a clear design link with the popular Carens small MPV while ensuring that the Picanto was both distinctive and attractive.

Interior

The interior design for the Picanto focuses on functionality and ergonomics. The two-tone, full fabric trim blends style and comfort into a relaxing driving experience that is accentuated by a full range of convenience features.

The interior design continues the same bold styling that characterises the exterior of the vehicle, with arched surfaces and contoured edges. Controls are ergonomically positioned to ensure the maximum ease of use.

The dashboard is arched and contoured to match the shape of the steering wheel. On the driver's side a wide sill extends over the instrument cluster, which consists of four analogue dials and a multifunctional LED display. A digital clock is incorporated into the cluster.

Below the air vents are the audio system and the climate control system. Controls are rotary-type for ease of use and clearly marked for increased visibility. The air-conditioning controls are on a slide-switch beneath the rotary dials.

The central fascia is finished in a high grade plastic to match the colour tone of the interior and features an optional metal grain trim. In the automatic model, the gear selector below the fascia features a metallic front plate that adds impact and a touch of flair to the interior.

Engine
Available with a choice of petrol engines - a 1.0 and a 1.1 SOHC litre powerplant - that offer an excellent blend of sporty performance and outstanding fuel economy. The 1.0 litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.1 litre plant is available with either a five-speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission.

The Picanto is also one of the most efficient cars in its class in terms of CO2 emissions. The 1.0 litre engine produces 120 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre. The 1.1 version generates a miserly 130 g/km in the manual version and 153 g/km in the automatic version.

The 1.1 engine provides 64 ps at 5,500 rpm and 9.8 kgm of torque at 4,000 rpm, making the Picanto one of the most powerful cars in its class. The 1.0 provides 60 ps and 8.8 kgm of torque. Highly efficient and lightweight, the engines promise dynamic performance and excellent fuel economy.

According to internal tests, the Picanto 1.0L can achieve up to 56.5 mpg, go from
0-100 km/h in 15.8 seconds and will reach a maximum speed of 152 km/h where traffic regulations allow.

A 1.1 litre diesel version of the Picanto is planned for release in 2005. Projected figures indicate that the engine will provide 70 ps and will keep CO2 emissions down to 116 g/km.

August 25th 2003

Kia release information that they were about to debut a new supermini at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The move would see the Korean manufacturer entering the small car market in Europe for the very first time.

The 5 door car would be available as a four and five-seat version, with low emissions coming from a 1.0 litre engine producing only 120 g/km. A 1.1 version would also only generate 130 g/km in the five-speed manual version and 153 g/km in the four-speed automatic version.With a choice of 14" or 15" alloy wheels and many other attractive and useful features, Kia were aiming to create a brand image that was young, sporty and freindly.

COO Yong-hwan Kim of Kia Motors said: "Our new A-class car offers a blend of contemporary styling and a full range of features. It is tailor-made for the active lifestyle favoured by the younger generation,"

"The Kia range currently covers around 35% of European segmentation. By 2005 this will increase to around 85% as we develop vehicles to more closely match European tastes," says Mr Kim.

Donghee Auto Company will build the new A-segment Kia on consignment at a new factory in Suhsan, a few kilometres from Kia's Hwasung plant. Initial production will be 150,000 units per year, of which 88,000 will be export models. The sales potential for Europe on a 12-month basis is around 60,000 units.