First Drive: Facelifted Kia Picanto LX

First Drive: Facelifted Kia Picanto LX

Hatchbacks, which were once a dominant segment in South Africa, have fallen victim to a frantic takeover by SUVs, and yet the Picanto has been largely immune to this. Kia has sold over 100,000 Picantos in the 21 years since it first appeared on the local market, making it the most well-liked hatchback in the lineup.

For the purpose of experiencing the Picanto in its element, we travelled through scenic Cape Town, passing the Waterfront and Camps Bay. Still falling into its third generation, Kia has given this little hatch a second facelift, which comprises major cosmetic changes to the exterior styling, subtle changes inside the cabin, and a complete renaming of the model lineup.

The overall appearance update is best described as a little car with a big attitude. The latest iteration of the Picanto is youthful with a serious, sporty look. Boasting a more box-like shape, the front exterior receives redesigned headlights, bumpers, and bonnet with sleek, distinctive lines, creating a sport-like persona. The tailgate has also undergone a complete redesign, with the taillights having a horizontal connecting bar, allowing for a broadened visual stance. 

The Picanto's interior features an instrument cluster that's seen an analogue-to-digital revamp and an updated 8-inch infotainment system. For the most part, the cabin is what you’ll be familiar with from its predecessor. I will note, though, that I can’t help but give applause to the cupholders; they tuck away into the edges of the centre tunnel to allow for more storage when needed and quickly pop back up with a simple push of a button. It's a practical feature, if not particularly novel, that's typically found in much larger, more expensive SUVs rather than small hatchbacks.

Gone with the names; the easiest way to tell that this is the latest Picanto, apart from the appearance, is through its derivatives. We will no longer see trim-level names such as Street, Style, and X-Line, but rather LX, EX, and EX Plus as respective replacements. This puts the Picanto in sync with the rest of Kia's lineup, resulting in an easy-to-identify range. 

Under the bonnet, there have been no changes. All variants maintain the same powertrain, with the 1.0-litre MPI engine specifically utilised in the LX derivative and the 1.2-litre MPI engine within the EX and EX Plus. All trim levels have a choice of pairing with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.

During our time with the little hatch, we sampled the introductory 5-speed manual LX, which had been a great refresher from the usual ‘best-of-the-best’ typical experience we get on launches. Zipping through Capetown with three pedals and a gear lever that demands attention proved to be a fun experience and helped reiterate exactly why the Picanto is still relevant in our local market. In terms of driving, it is identical to its predecessor: nippy and easy to manoeuvre through traffic and into a parking space. Though, do bear in mind that in Joburg, things are a little faster-paced, so enthusiasm on the throttle will be encouraged.

Where does the second facelift sit relative to the previous iteration in terms of price? Well, to put it simply, the Picanto comes with a bit of inflation. Kia's latest hatch costs between R6,000 and R17,000 more than the outgoing model, depending on the variant you compare it to.

Verdict: The refreshed Kia Picanto still has its place in South Africa, and those looking for a compact go-getter with a bit more on offer can add this little hatch to their shortlist. Though ideally intended for those fresh out of high school, the Picanto may not be the go-to due to economic restraints, but for individuals a couple years down the line aching for a brand new car, it is one to consider.

Pricing

Picanto 1.0 LX Manual: R260,955

Picanto 1.0 LX Auto: R278,995

Picanto 1.2 EX Manual: R284,995

Picanto 1.2 EX Auto: R302,995

Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Manual: R307,995

Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Auto: R325,995

The Kia Picanto comes with familiar coverage, including an unlimited-kilometre/5-year warranty and unlimited-kilometre/5-year roadside assistance, as well as a 2-year/30,000-kilometre pre-paid service plan for added peace of mind.

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Words: Niki Louw

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