2012 Kia Picanto Price - £7 995
2012 Kia Picanto will hit the market on 17 June. This is the second-generation of the model and it is set to prove better quality at decent price. 2012 Picanto offers extremely low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as good performance. It is slightly larger than it predecessor and has more space and great comfort.
The engine range includes 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol power units. The 1.25 litre is also available with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as well as an automatic gearbox.
The three-cylinder 1.0 litre develops 68BHP and 95Nm and returns amazing 67.3 mpg. The bigger 1.25 litre four-cylinder has 84BHP and 121Nm and averages 60.1mpg. It available with both 5-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDynamics version is with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.
2012 Picanto vs previous model (standard five-speed manual)
| New | Previous | New | Previous | |
| 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.25 | 1.1 | |
| 0-60mph (sec) | 13.9 | 15.8 | 11.0 | 14.6 |
| Top speed (mph) | 95 | 93 | 106 | 96 |
| Combined mpg | 67.3 | 58.8 | 60.1 | 58.8 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 99 | 114 | 109 | 114 |
Standard specification includes body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. There are also a height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, a 60:40 split folding rear seat.
Picanto 1 Air adds air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.
Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14" alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.
The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15" alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps. The safety is at very high level. 2012 Picanto electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS). There are also 6 airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.
As with all new Kias, a 7 year or 100 000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.
2012 Kia Picanto UK 5-door model range:
| Powertrain | Trim | Power - bhp | Torque – lb/ft | CO2 | Combined mpg | Price |
| 1.0-litre | 1 | 68 @ 6,200 rpm | 70 @ 3,500 rpm | 99 | 67.3 | £7,995 |
| 1.0-litre | 1 Air | 68 @ 6,200 rpm | 70 @ 3,500 rpm | 99 | 67.3 | £8,595 |
| 1.0-litre | 2 | 68 @ 6,200 rpm | 70 @ 3,500 rpm | 99 | 67.3 | £9,595 |
| 1.25-litre ISG | 2 EcoDynamics | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 100 | 65.7 | £10,195 |
| 1.25-litre Auto | 2 | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 125 | 53.3 | £10,795 |
| 1.25-litre | 3 | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 109 | 60.1 | £11,195 |
Source: Kia
