Picanto News: Is This The New 2007 Picanto?

And will we finally see a Diesel version in the UK?

Although we don't usually like spy shots, we were quite drawn to these recent pictures of what Auto Express are claiming is the all-new Kia Picanto.

The first thing we noticed was how the front and rear side window frames were identical, when compared to the current model. This naturally suggests were looking at a Picanto, as no two vehicles would be identical in this way, although a closer look suggests the wing mirror is different to throw us off.

Rear end changes are also apparent, but most obvious is the A-pillar which means new front wings, grille and bonnet. A move that could mean more space under the hood to drop in an oil burner and that means...diesel power.

Despite the spin coming from the Korean's PR dept, rumours are the real reason the RHD diesel Picanto never got to these shores was the fact the diesel engine is significantly larger than the petrol. Coupled with the fact that steering columns, brake servo's, clutch and pedals are all on the opposite side, Kia may have felt it un-economically viable to spend the extra £££ on redesign's, especially if a new version was on the horizon.

This new model could also be available in a GTi version, powered by a 97 bhp petrol (why not make it 100 bhp).

So what were seeing here is either a face-lifted version of the current Picanto with a more 'European' look or the platform for Hyundai's forth-coming 2007 Amica, which is due to be launched early 2007.

Fingers crossed it's not the latter.

Picanto News: Test Drive A Picanto And Be Quids In

Kia launch test-drive incentive

To increase sales and maintain awareness, in what is considered the toughest period of the sales calendar, Kia are offering a £20 Marks & Spencer voucher if you take a test-drive in a new Kia Picanto.

The campaign, starting today until 22nd December, will be launched in the national press, radio and naturally on-line.

Customers must go to the Kia website at www.kia.co.uk/testdrive, although it says the page isn't working right now, we are assured it will be. Once on the website you must do the following:

• Fill out the electronic form
• Select preferred dealer
• Book the test drive directly
• Print out the form
• Take the form into your preferred dealership
• Have your test drive
  

A few points worth remembering. After your Picanto test-drive, make sure the dealer stamps the form as it's your responsibility to send the form directly back to Kia Motors UK. The address is:

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd
FREEPOST CV1879
Rugby
CV21 1BR

Have fun and don't spend it all at once!!

Picanto News: October Picanto Deals

Quick post about Kia's current offers for the month of October.

First off there's a consumer offer of £500 cashback on the 1.1 Zapp with air conditioning. Please bear in mind that this is the only model eligible, as the 1.0 Zapp is in very short supply and most dealers have opted to register what little stock they have, on 56 plates, to attract buyers in the quieter Autumn period.

So for £5995, after your cashback, you can drive away a high specification limited edition Picanto with air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, ABS, power steering, CD Player with MP3 and a host of other goodies, not to mention a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assist.

Automatic for the price of a manual

For those of you who are tired of the gear stick, Kia, through it's dealer network, are also offering a brand new Picanto 1.1 LX Automatic for the price of a LX manual. At £7195 on the road, that's pretty good value for money for a small high specification automatic.