KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new Kia Picanto compact car was just launched by its official distributor, Naza Kia Malaysia, with an asking price of RM49,888 (on-the-road without insurance). It is available in only one trim, the 1.2 EX automatic.
“The Kia brand is a trendsetter in the global automotive sector. This was especially evident after renowned automobile designer Peter Schreyer was appointed Chief Design Officer. Each Kia model is masterfully crafted equipped with cutting-edge technologies and is engineered to have its own personality without compromising safety and functionality,” said Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd Group chief executive officer (Automotive Group) Datuk Samson Anand George..
The new Picanto, now in its third iteration, has taken a dynamic approach to design with sophisticated and bolder lines for a fun urban drive look.
Under the bonnet sits the 1.2 litre Kappa II four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission which produces 84PS at 6,000rpm and 122Nm at 4,000rpm.
The visually striking details of the car include the wide signature “tiger nose” grille which segue into the new projection bi-functional headlamps with LED indicators and LED daytime running lights.
Inside the new Picanto is a more refined cabin with new materials and layout. It is also slightly roomier than the previous generation as the wheelbase has increased by 15mm to 2,400mm. Boot space has also increased to 255 liters and more room can be had by folding the second row seats (a 60:40 configuration) for up to 1,010 litres of maximised cargo space.
New to the Picanto is the free-standing 7.0-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice recognition features.
It also comes with contemporary features such as keyless entry, push start button, one touch triple turn signal, auto light control, RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), electric folding side mirrors and safety power window on the driver’s side, AUX and USB ports.
Safety-wise, six airbags strategically placed up front and at the sides of all passengers, ISOFIX mounts, rear seatbelt pretensioners and active safety systems like ABS and ESC.
The car’s body is stronger than before as 44% of the bodyshell is cast in Advanced High Strength Steel AHSS (previously only 22%).
If accessories is your thing, Naza Kia Malaysia has the Novus accessories available which comes in two packages, Novus X and the Novus S, priced at RM5,618 and RM3,498 respectively (prices include GST).
Accessories included in the package are the Novus emblem, solar tints, stylish and sporty Novus Bodykits, as well as leather seats and a DVR-digital video recorder among others.
The Picanto is now available in five different colours: Pop Orange, Lime Light, Honey Bee, Clear White and Titanium Silver.
There is also a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and the new Picanto is now on display in authorised Kia showrooms nationwide.
Naza Kia Malaysia is banking heavily on the Picanto to lift up sales, targeting 5,000 units to move out of the dealerships in 2018.
This would comprise 50 per cent of Naza Kia's total sales target for this year, said Samson.
"We are confident we can achieve the new Picanto sales figures because it is an excellent product at an excellent price. We have not had the price at below the RM50,000 bracket for a very, very, long time" he told reporters at the launch today.
