Kia Picanto (2008)

The new Kia Picanto enjoys a whole range of updates and the model line-up is adjusted to take advantage of the changes in Vehicle Excise Duty regulations.

Priced from £5,995 OTR, the revised 1.0-litre Kia Picanto is now eligible for band B VED at only £35 per year. This saving was made possible as the entry level model is a four-seat version with eco-friendly tyres and upgraded engine, producing an extra 2 PS.

The major changes all happen externally with new front and rear bumpers, new headlights, rear clusters, bonnet and wing mirrors.

A sporty-looking model will be available for the first time, called the Kia Picanto 3. The range topping model will feature a mesh grille, front fog lamps, black bezel headlamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors with integrated side repeaters, unique dials, headrests and alloy pedals. The Kia Picanto 3 will be based on the 1.1-litre engine. The full product line-up is shown below.

The launch model, Kia Picanto Ice, comes with air conditioning whilst the range topping Picanto 3 adds full iPod compatibility through the new factory fitted audio system.

Like the Sportage, and in response to customer demand, the indicator stalks are now on the left hand side of the steering wheel.

The cee'd influence continues across the Kia range. In Picanto the cee'd grille and orange dial illumination is adopted along with some interior plastics and the switch layout of the centre console.

Specifications (Power train / Trim / Power - bhp / Torque - Nm / CO2 / Comb. mpg / OTR)

1.0-litre / Picanto / 61 @ 5600 rpm / 86 @ 2900 rpm / 117 / 57.6 / £5,995
1.1-litre / Picanto 2 / 64 @ 5500 rpm / 97 @ 2800 rpm / 126 / 53.3 / £6,795
1.1-litre auto / Picanto 2 / 64 @ 5500 rpm / 97 @ 2800 rpm / 143 / 47.1 / £7,595
1.1-litre / Picanto Ice / 64 @ 5500 rpm / 97 @ 2800 rpm / 126 / 53.3 / £6,995
1.1-litre auto / Picanto Ice / 64 @ 5500 rpm / 97 @ 2800 rpm / 143 / 47.1 / £7,795
1.1-litre / Picanto 3 / 64 @ 5500 rpm / 97 @ 2800 rpm / 126 / 53.3 / £7,995

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