On to the next round: The Kia Picanto will be coming to the German market in the third generation this summer. The 3,60 meter long microcar remains true to its previous dimensions, but wants to offer significantly more space, comfort and safety. In addition, the Koreans donate him a new engine and a nicer appearance. Prices are not fixed yet. However, the only available as a five-door Picanto should start in combination with the already known 49 kW / 67 PS strong 1,0 three-cylinder at just below 10.000 Euro.
However, the threshold for the five-digit price is likely to be exceeded quickly. After all, the miniature cars have long since broken away from the image of a mobile disclaimer and offer their customers ample opportunity to enjoy comfort beyond the respective basic model. Thus, in the new Picanto, depending on the equipment numerous customization options are available; These include LED daytime running lights, an 7 inch map navigation system, connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, reversing camera or an inductive charging station for smartphones. An emergency brake assistant and an airbag for the driver's knee are also available as options. Of course, chic rims must not be missing. In addition to the standard 14-standard steel wheels, we offer alloy wheels up to 16-inch size. If you want, you can also order colorful leather imitations for the seats instead of the gray or black plain look.
Speaking of seats: These are brand new and should offer more long-distance comfort. At the first seat sample the stalls made a good impression. The seat pads are large. The headrests can also be adjusted in a wide range. In the rear, it is also comfortable, at least for two passengers and when the front men take care of the rear passengers. The trunk volume has grown significantly, it now holds each position of asymmetrically in the ratio 60: 40 divided rear seat back between 255 and 1.010 liter. The second generation had to settle for volumes from 200 to 870 liters. Nice: When folding the rear seat backrests does not create a step, the cargo bed is flat.
The already familiar from the predecessor sucker units, a three-cylinder with 49 kW / 67 PS and a 1,2-liter four-cylinder with 62 kW / 84 PS, Kia provides from autumn a turbo three-cylinder with 74 kW / 100 PS aside. The engine, which is already being used in the new Rio and Ceed, is mobilizing 172 Nm. The top speed is reached at Tempo 180, the standard spurt succeeds in 10,1 seconds. The average consumption is Kia with 4,5 liters. All engines are coupled to a five-speed manual transmission; the four-cylinder can alternatively be supplied with a four-speed automatic.
In order to visually position the Picanto in the competitive environment of VW Up, Opel Karl, Suzuki Celerio, Renault Twingo or Toyota Aygo, the Kia designers have missed him a chic sheet dress. The vehicle takes, among other things, with the typical tiger nose front bonds at the new Rio; it stands by the shortened front and rear overhangs now fuller on the road. Especially chic sees the little thing in the GT line variant. Here he is allowed to show muscles. Large air vents in the front, sporty alloy wheels, side skirts and a rear diffuser with double exhaust pipe make something, even if the engine does not quite meet the sporting demands. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)