Upgraded Picanto shows new VRT benefits

KIA'S upgraded Picanto small car is designed to give consumers - according to the company - a combination of exciting contemporary design, lively competitive performance, class-leading interior dimensions, great fuel economy and ultra-low emissions.

Attractively refreshed, the new 2007 Picanto is a car that's still small on the outside but feels big on the inside. It is capable of seating four full-size adults, or a family of five, in comfort. It is versatile with a wide range of seating options and a spacious interior that merit the description 'mini-MPV'.

The original Picanto has attracted more than 1,200 buyers in Ireland. Now Kia's design teams in Korea and Europe have preserved its 'young, sporty and friendly' spirit and evolved the new Picanto with more improved looks and upgraded equipment.

The new Picanto is 40mm longer, with an overall length of 3,535mm, featuring an extended rounded nose and a deeper, larger rear bumper. All-new panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, front bumper and rear bumper.

The front and rear light clusters are new and follow the 'rounded' theme. The wheelbase is unchanged, while the doors, tailgate and all internal body shell panels are carried over from the predecessor model. The door mirror design, however, is new.

Mechanically, the Picanto is unchanged and available with 1.0 and 1.1 litre petrol engines with maximum power of 62bhp at 5,600rpm and 65bhp at 5,500rpm, respectively. The car is also said to be incredibly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly with combined fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100km for the one litre engine and 5.2 l/100km for the 1.1 litre engine. CO2 emissions are at 117g/km (1 litre) and 118g/km (1.1 litre).

A 1.1 litre automatic model is also available, combined fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 137g/km.

The original Picanto description as a 'mini-MPV' was earned by its ability to carry 157 litres of luggage with all seats occupied and a cavernous 882 litres of cargo space with two occupants and the split rear seats folded flat. This versatility is retained by the latest car. A triumph of packaging design, in terms of interior space, it is the 'best-in-class' in most major dimensions.

Inside, it introduces a tailor-made radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, plus a re-styled centre stack, height-adjustable driver's seat and a new-style, reddish-orange illumination instrument cluster. Outside, there's a choice of five new contemporary colours and new-style alloy wheels.

In Ireland, the Picanto will be offered in three trim levels: L, LX and EX. Standard specification on the L model includes power steering, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, ABS with EBD, twin airbags, side impact protection system, three-point rear seatbelts, Isofix anchor points, electric front windows and CD audio with MP3.

LX specification adds body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors, sunglasses holder, remote central locking, perimeter alarm and front fog lamps, while the

EX specification gives 14” alloy wheels, chrome door handles, USB and iPod connector, leather steering wheel and gear knob, metal grain centre fascia, metal pedals, rear electric windows, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors and indicator repeater in side mirrors.

Prices start at €11,995 for the 1.0 L model, rising to €13,995 for the 1.1 LX Auto.