Geneva 2017: All-New Kia Picanto World Debut

Kia Motors has unveiled four new models in conjunction with the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. The main highlight being the world debut of the all-new (third-generation) Kia Picanto A-Segment hatch.

The all-new Kia Picanto makes its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, promising to introduce more character and customisation to the A-segment, and for the first time, offered in Kia’s premium GT-Line trim.

The design – penned by Kia’s design centers in Namyang and Frankfurt, was first revealed just ahead Geneva 2017 and goes on sale across Europe from the start of Q2 2017.

Inside, the Picanto’s cabin features a ‘floating’ 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with new connectivity features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless smartphone charger is also among the new features.

The new model also offers buyers greater potential for customization, with 11 exterior paint colors and a range of interior color packs for buyers to choose from.

Three petrol engines will be available to buyers – the 1.0-litre (67PS and 96 Nm) and 1.25-litre (84PS and 122 Nm) naturally-aspirated multi-point injection (MPI) engines have been carried over from the outgoing Picanto, while Kia’s new 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) power unit will also be available in Q4 of 2017. The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine produces 100hp and 172Nm of torque.

All engines are paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed auto will complement the 1.25-litre MPI models, sending power to the front wheels.

The new Picanto also promises a larger cabin than many of its rivals, and the largest cargo capacity of any A-segment car (255 litres).

New measures to address noise, vibration and harshness levels such as a new soundproofing panel beneath the dashboard and floor of the cabin and sound-absorbent engine cover is also said to improve on the car’s refinement.

Safety is also improved, with a strong new bodyshell featuring twice the proportion (44 percent) of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) compared to the outgoing model.

The Picanto is the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking. The safety suite includes six-airbags (front, front side and curtain airbags) as standard, and an optional knee airbag, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). 

The handling too has been enhanced, aided by newly designed rear trailing arm setup, a quicker steering rack ratio and torque vectoring by braking – an additional function of the ESC system.

Following on earlier reports, the all-new Kia Picanto could make its Malaysian debut in 2017 as well.