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.
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.
