Kia has revealed an updated Picanto with a redesigned exterior, updated engine options and a wider range of standard features among its many revisions.
New design
The Picanto's new look brings the model more in line with newer cars in the line-up such as the Sportage and Niro.
As part of the redesign, the Picanto gains a new front bumper and Kia's 'tiger nose' grille, as well as revised bonnet and wings.
The car's new headlights, which are designed to lead into the front intakes, are intended to give the car a "dramatic image," while the reworked rear lights help to emphasise the new rear bumper and tailgate.
Although Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed, the Picanto may be offered in both base and 'GT-Line' trim levels - the latter of which features custom 16-inch diamond-cut wheels, a rear diffuser and 'pronounced sporty elements' on its front end.
Baseline Picantos will likely be fitted with 14-inch wheels as standard.
Four new colour schemes are now offered alongside the existing shades: Signal Red, Smoke Blue, Sporty Blue and Adventurous Green.
Interior design
Kia is introducing a new range of 'stylish and sensual' interior colour packs for the new Picanto - customers can select either Adventurous Green or Rich Brown as extras - alongside the Glossy Black option.
The colour packs feature seats clad in artificial leather, as well as bespoke door armrests and coloured surrounds for the air vents and gear selector.
The use of synthetic leather marks Kia's first step in its 'Action 1' sustainability strategy, which will see the carmaker phase out the use of leather in its interiors.
For the next step, known as 'Action 2', Kia has selected ten sustainable materials for use in its future models - these 'must have items' will form the basis for Kia's future interiors.
'Action 3' is the final step and stands for 'Bio Fabrication', which concerns the implementation of bio-based materials into the brand's interiors.
Powertrains and drive
Two petrol engines are available in the new Picanto - either 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre.
Both models are front-wheel drive - and will be available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or Kia's Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) - which is based on a traditional five-speed manual gearbox, fitted with clutch and gear shift actuators - intended to combine the fuel efficiency of a manual with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
Driver inputs are processed quicker than before, thanks to a quicker steering rack. This reduces the number of wheel turns needed from lock-to-lock - 2.8 turns exactly, faster than many of the car's rivals, according to Kia.
As part of the Picanto's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, torque vectoring through braking is possible, which improves handling and stability under cornering, while also reducing understeer during faster cornering.
New technology
The new Picanto is equipped with an eight-inch 'floating' touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument display as standard.
The touchscreen features Bluetooth multi-connection, which can accommodate up to two mobile devices at the same time, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.
Thanks to the Kia Connect service, live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interests and potential parking details are available. The driver can also send route directions to their car, check their car's location and access diagnostics, depending on the market.
Online Voice Recognition informs users of potential points of interest, addresses and weather updates, as well as enabling them to send text messages through voice commands.
The new Picanto also features over-the-air functionality, allowing owners to keep their cars up-to-date without needing to visit a garage.
Safety features
The Picanto comes with Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, depending on specification.
Junction turning is also included in the car's risk detection technology, allowing it to brake automatically if a risk of collision when turning at a junction is detected.
As well as this, the Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Lane Following Assist.
Lane Following Assist uses the Picanto's front-mounted camera to watch for road markings and can assist with steering to keep the car travelling in the centre of its lane. It can also warn the driver if a car is approaching while reversing from a parking space, applying the brakes if needed.
With an Emergency Stop Signal system, the Picanto can automatically flash its hazard lights when the car's brakes are applied suddenly, warning other drivers behind. Hill starts are made easier thanks to a Hill-start Assist Control function.
The Picanto is fitted with up to six airbags and an ISOFIX child seat tether and anchor points.
The updated Kia Picanto is expected in the Irish market by the end of 2023.