Pricing and specifications have been revealed for the new Kia Picanto, which has gained a radical redesign inside and out in a bid to sustain its appeal and strong sales figures.
Starting from £15,595, Kia's entry-level hatchback follows its closely related Hyundai i10 sibling - itself recently a recipient of similar upgrades – in pushing the price above the £15,000 mark.
This leaves just four cars on sale in the UK for less than £15,000: the Citroën C3, Dacia Sandero, Fiat Panda and MG 3.
Four specifications are available. Entry-level 2 models get 14in alloy wheels and cloth upholstery. GT-Line cars command a £1150 premium and gain additional equipment such as 16in alloys, LED lights and privacy glass.
The next trim, 3, is available from £17,545 and brings heated front seats, automatic air conditioning and wireless phone charging. An additional £900 buys the top-rung GT-Line S model, which gets gloss black detailing, a sunroof and ambient lighting.
Four new paint colours have been added across the range.
Redesigned with a particular focus on young professionals and short, urban commutes, the new Picanto promises to be easier to drive than before, with more standard equipment, over-the-air update functionality and new technology that, Kia says, makes it "one of the safest cars in its class".
Its bold exterior redesign is inspired by Kia's new 'Opposites united' design philosophy, which has driven the design language of models such as the EV9 and EV6.
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The front end that was challenging and controversial when pics were released looks pretty damn good when you see one driving around. Another Kia styling success, no doubt. Incredible momentum from Korea right now.
These are great little cars that punch above their weight ,my daughter got a new Gt line auto in November and thoroughly loves it ,comfy and takes all her luggage and friends ,drives well and economical not sure what you are saying about manual auto as it is a proper auto and smooth at that.