Paultan's spy photographers have managed to
catch a prototype unit of the Picanto facelift for the first time. In northern
Sweden, no less. It’s still fully clad with camouflage wrap and protective
covers, but reports suggest that the production car will officially make its
debut later this year, if not in early 2021.
There’s not much for us to go on regarding
design changes, but expect a revised front face, new wheel designs, and perhaps
small tweaks to its rear end. Similarly, the cabin will get subtle revisions,
perhaps with updated tech such as a larger infotainment display (up from the
current 7.0-inch unit) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. It won’t
likely get the Seltos‘ 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with
split-screen functionality, though.
For powertrains, the existing range of
engines will be carried over, including the range-topping 1.0 litre T-GDI
three-potter which makes 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque. Other naturally-aspirated
options are the 1.0 litre MPI unit making 67 PS and 96 Nm, as well as the
familiar 1.25 litre MPI engine with 84 PS and 122 Nm of torque. Transmission
choices include a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.
Expect no changes to boot space – the
Picanto offers a decent size of 255 litres, along with a two-step boot floor
which can be raised or lowered by 145 mm. The rear seats feature a 60:40
split-folding mechanism, which when folded provides 1,100 litres of space.
Lastly, expect Kia to up the ante with
regards to safety. Currently, it has six airbags (front, front side and curtain
airbags; knee airbag optional), ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability
control, hill start assist, ISOFIX rear child seat anchors, tyre pressure
monitoring system, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning
system. Moving forward, Kia has plans to produce a pure electric version for
all its models, including the Picanto. Kia Europe COO Emilio Herrera said while
it is ‘a big challenge’, it will have to be done sooner or later.
