30 March 2017

New Picanto at end of April

The new generation Kia Picanto goes on sale in Ireland at the end of April with a starting price of €13,295, writes Brian Byrne.

The third version is an evolution of the current popular city car, with a stronger image and upgraded interior.

Engine options are both petrol, the familiar 1.0 3-cylinder, and a 1.2 4-cylinder, the latter available only with automatic transmission in Ireland.

There will be three grades available at launch, the entry TX, EX and EX ADAS. All but the TX have 15" alloys, projector headlights and LED daylight running lamps, among a high level of specification. The ADAS grade adds leather seats and distinctive trim.

The new Picanto is the same length and width as the outgoing car, but is lower and has a slightly longer wheelbase.

Picanto sales for 2016 in Ireland placed the car in fifth place in a crowded 19-car A segment, a division with relatively small market share here across total passenger car sales.

I've been driving the car in Spain this morning, and will provide a full first impression later.