By: IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - It might seem rather young and funky, but Kia's latest Picanto couldn't resist going in for some minor cosmetic surgery to keep it fresh for the rest of its model lifespan.
Of course, it is one of those look-closely-or-you'll-miss-it facelifts but for the record this new Picanto gains a redesigned front bumper that houses a larger 'tiger nose' grille, with red bordering in the case of the range-topping EX model.
The lower air intake is now narrower and positioned lower, separate from the smaller 'kidney' grille above it while the foglamps and their housings are large.
It's business as usual from the side, rear, inside and under the bonnet for that matter.
As before, Kia offers two models in the form of a base 1-litre LX, fitted with a 51kW/94Nm 999cc CVVT three-cylinder motor and a 1.2 EX that provides a useful performance advantage with its 65kW/120Nm 2-litre CVVT four-cylinder unit. Both can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
Both versions are fitted with an aircon, central locking, front electric windows, a CD/MP3 audio system with USB and Aux connections and dual front airbags. Opt for the 1.2 EX and you also get 14-inch alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and ABS brakes.
TAKE YOUR PICK
1.0 LX - R139 995
1.0 LX AT - R142 995
1.2 EX - R140 995
1.2 EX AT - R152 995
Prices include a five-year/150 000km warranty and a two-year/45 000km service plan is optional.