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Base version or GT-Line

The updated Picanto offers a choice of the entry-level version and the sporty GT-Line. The base version gets 14-inch steel rims as standard. Optionally, Kia supplies alloy wheels in 14-, 15- or 16-inch sizes. The GT-Line has sporty accents in the front end. There, the “tiger nose” grille has been enlarged to make an extra impression. This includes new, special 16-inch diamond-cut rims and a sporty GT-Line rear diffuser. The updated Picanto is available in ten body colors.

More relevant than ever? – Kia Picanto (2024) – WALKAROUND – AutoRAI TV

Watch first, then read? Check out our walkaround of the updated Picanto!

Design revamped KIA Picanto

The updated Picanto is inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design language. Up front, the updated Picanto can be identified by the modified bumper design, the familiar “tiger nose” and the sharpened design for the front wings and hood. Optional LED headlights and daytime running lights are other features. Behind, the design emphasizes the vertical link between the redesigned taillights and the newly drawn rear bumper. The new wide light signature makes the model optically a bit wider.

Farewell 1.0 T-GDi

The updated Picanto is equipped with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine. The atmospheric engine has improved exhaust circulation ducts and optimized valve timing on the intake side. Furthermore, the cooling of the combustion chambers has been improved. The engine drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission (5MT) or Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

The AMT is based on the five-speed manual transmission, where clutch/unclutch and shifting are automatic. Thus, the AMT offers the best of both worlds: it combines the fuel-efficient performance of a conventional manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, making city driving even more comfortable.

And the 100-hp 1.0 T-GDi? It will not return to the Dutch market. That version would become too expensive due to higher CO2 emissions.

Suspension and steering

The agility and handling of the updated Picanto are strong as ever. They are due to an independent MacPherson strut suspension up front and a torsion bar rear axle design. The steering of the updated Picanto is direct, with the steering angle being smaller than many competitors (2.8 revolutions). This makes the Picanto easy to drive even at low speeds in the city. Because the front wheels are positioned close to the front of the car, the amount of weight in front of the front axle is limited, making the car extra maneuverable.

Torque vectoring

The Picanto features torque vectoring when braking, an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC). By applying this technology in an A-segment car, the Picanto remains firmer and more stable on the road in turns, while understeer is further reduced in faster cornering.

hefty touchscreen in interior

The updated Picanto now comes standard with a “floating” 8.0 -inch touchscreen navigation system and a 4.2-inch high-resolution digital screen in the instrument cluster in front of the driver. The 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system features Bluetooth multiconnectivity, which means users can even pair two mobile devices at the same time: one for hands-free smartphone and media playback, and one exclusively for media playback. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia Connect features include a wide range of services, including live traffic information, weather forecasts, locations of interest (POIs) and details of possible parking spots on the street or in parking garages. Depending on each country, users can remotely send their navigation destination to their car before departure, check the location of their car and view vehicle and diagnostic data.

Online Voice Recognition

In addition, users can use Online Voice Recognition to search for POI locations, addresses, or receive weather updates. A new “Online Navigation” route service uses real-time and historical traffic data from the cloud to predict time-saving routes more accurately than ever.

Users can also use the accompanying Kia Connect App – compatible for Android and Apple smartphones – with features such as Last Mile Navigation. This allows them to continue using the navigation even after they have parked and exited their car. It also allows them to navigate more easily through cities, where parking facilities are often located at somewhat greater distances from stores, cafes and restaurants.

Over-the-air updates

Finally, the updated Picanto is fully prepared for new over-the-air features. This assures customers of extra comfort and also saves them time, as it automatically updates the navigation and infotainment systems wirelessly.

Driving assistance systems KIA Picanto 2024

The updated Kia Picanto gets several driver assistance systems. Depending on the trim chosen, ADAS offerings for the Picanto include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA) including vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian detection.

Furthermore, the updated Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Warning (DAW+), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) as well as Lane Following Assist (LFA). The latter uses a front camera that “sees” road markings to keep the car in the center of its lane via improved steering. Another option is Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). This system alerts the driver and brings the car to a stop if, when reversing, it detects another car approaching from the left or right.

Furthermore, the updated Picanto has Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which automatically turns on the hazard lights when the driver suddenly brakes hard, to warn the car behind. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) keeps the brakes engaged, allowing the car to pull away smoothly from a standstill on a slope.

Finally, the Picanto also comes standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-line Stability (SLS) systems. These help the driver maintain control when braking and cornering.

Inside, the Picanto features up to six airbags, as well as ISOFIX attachment points for a child seat. The car is equipped with a sensor that detects whether the rear occupants’ seat belts are fastened.

Market launch Kia Picanto 2024

The updated KIA Picanto is expected to arrive on the Dutch market in the summer of 2024. A price has not yet been announced. The outgoing type has a starting price of about 17,250 euros. The GT-Line with atmospheric 1.0-liter gasoline engine currently starts at 20,500 euros. Expect similar prices.