By IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - Kia has extended its Picanto range downwards with the introduction of a new entry-level variant.
The Picanto LS is aimed squarely at the highly competitive A-segment of the market, knocking R22 000 off the price of the next model in the range, the Picanto LX, by leaving out a few bells and whistles - notably the sound system and expensive alloy rims.
The LS has all the cosmetic upgrades introduced on the Picantop range earlier in 2015, with the exception of the daytime running lights, which have been replaced by black plastic mouldings. It rolls on 14 inch steel rims shod with 165/60 radials and plastic wheel covers.
Inside, most of the LX's features are still there, including air conditioning, ajdustable steering, trip computer, height-adjustable head restraints 60:40 split folding rear seat-backs and an underfloor luggage box.
What's not there is the radio - although, rather than design and manufacture dummy speakers for the door panels, Kia has left the two front speakers and their wiring, as well as the auxiliary and USB port, in place.
What's also all there is the LX's 998cc twin-cam three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 51kW and 94Nm, as well as a Kia's five-year or 150 000km warranty.
PRICES
Picanto 1.0 LS - R119 995
Picanto 1.0 LX - R141 995