Emissions and fuel use down for all-new Picanto

Cost-conscious motorists will benefit from the next generation Kia Picanto’s greatly reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy when the firm’s latest A-segment hatchback goes on sale in late spring.

Making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Picanto is longer than the previous model and, with an extended wheelbase, promises more passenger comfort and 27 per cent increased cargo space.

Offered for the first time with a choice of five-door and three-door bodystyles – the three-door will arrive in the autumn – it is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the ‘city car’ A-segment.

Buyers of a new Picanto will have a choice of up to four all-new super-efficient powertrains – three versions of the 1-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine (petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa power unit.

Power outputs will range from 67 to 82bhp, with maximum torque between 94 and 121Nm. Exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that regular models in the new Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 95 to 105g/km. The bi-fuel 1-litre engine will generate 80bhp and 94 Nm of torque. Fuel economy for all engines is also improved.

Some models will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technologies, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100g/km and further improve fuel economy.

The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model.

As well as offering new levels of powertrain efficiency, the new Picanto boasts a distinctive exterior, sophisticated interior, and numerous ‘large car’ advanced comfort and safety features including LED daytime running lights, button-start with smart key, grip-type outside door handles along with a minimum of six airbags.

Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

“We’re looking forward to having a three-door Picanto for the first time,” said EMG Motor Group, Cambridge, general manager Kevin Driscoll, which has the Kia franchise for the region. “It’s sure to stand out on its own and will open up the marketplace.”

Call 0845 1211651 or go to www.emgmotorgroup.com/kia for details.