Kia Picanto

[dracu777]

INTRODUCTION

Kia sales to keep booming with all-new Picanto small car

The new Kia Picanto is the latest addition to the Kia model range, presenting customers with a winning combination of exciting innovative design, lively competitive performance, class-leading interior dimensions, great fuel economy, and ultra-low emissions. Attractively styled, with a zest-for-life character, this is a car that´s small on the outside, but feels big on the inside. Picanto is capable of seating four full size adults, or a family of five in comfort. It is exceptionally versatile with a wide range of seating options and a spacious interior that merit the description ´mini-MPV´.

The 3.5-metre Picanto is a key model in Kia´s European strategy, taking the brand for the first time into the A-segment with an all-new and highly competitive challenger. This ´young, sporty and friendly´ newcomer gives Kia an entry-level model to attract new types of customer and begin the crucial brand-building task of creating loyalty to the marque and to its expanding dealer network.

Picanto and the Kia Opirus 3.5 V6 luxury sedan flagship, launched last autumn, define the broad extremities of the company´s rapidly expanding model range. The Kia range currently covers around 35% of European segmentation. By 2005 this will increase to around 85% as new vehicles are developed and introduced. In many European countries where the A-segment accounts for significant volumes, the Picanto gives Kia enormous potential for sales growth.

The Picanto is a high volume product designed to achieve strong market penetration particularly in Europe, where it will contribute significantly to Kia´s goal of raising brand awareness and tripling sales in the region to 300,000 by 2005. Designed to fit squarely in the A-segment, the Picanto continues the process of matching Kia´s vehicles closely to European market trends.

A zesty small car with head-turning good looks and a deceptive amount of interior room, the Picanto sets the stage for a number of exciting new designs in the pipeline from Korea´s oldest car manufacturer. Kia´s new C-Segment Cerato goes on sale in Spring 2004 in both five-door and four-door forms and two new B-Segment models will arrive early 2005, giving Kia a fresh comprehensive line up with highly competitive models in every sector of the European market.

As an entry-level car, the Picanto will be a very compelling buy for young, style-conscious consumers. A modern, highly individual choice, the Picanto is equally at home on the daily run to work, or the weekend run to the sports field or beach. The Picanto´s fuel economy, and particularly its class-leading CO2 figures - as low as 118 g/km - reflect Kia´s push towards leaner, greener vehicles. A diesel version of the vehicle will be released in 2005, increasing the appeal of the vehicle even further.

At launch the Picanto will be available in both four-seater and or five-seater versions, with a choice of two gasoline engines, manual or automatic transmission, and LX or EX equipment and trim levels. With all seats occupied, Picanto has 157 litres of luggage space. With two occupants and the split rear seats folded flat, there is a cavernous 882 litres of cargo space. The Picanto is a triumph of packaging design and in terms of interior space, it is the ´best-in-class´ in most major dimensions.

Across Europe, Kia´s marketing for the new model will focus on the ´what color do you have?´ theme, featuring a bright orange Picanto and highlighting the bold choice of exterior and interior colours which will be available. Customers have a choice of nine paint finishes including clear white, galaxy black, lemon yellow, orange, scarlet red, liquid silver, samba green, blue diamond and cobalt blue.

The styling of Picanto also reflects future trends in the A-segment market, where the percentage of five-door cars is expected to increase over the next few years. In 2002, five-door models accounted for just 22% of the A-segment market, worldwide, and this market share is expected to grow to more than 50% by 2006 as the practicality and versatility of the five-door configuration becomes more and more popular.

Although the Picanto will be manufactured exclusively in Korea primarily for the European market, the vehicle was created by Kia´s in-house design team, headed by Kang Lee. The team incorporated substantial input from Kia´s European R&D centre in Germany, which is also the brand´s centre-of-excellence for diesel engine technology.

The initial production rate for Picanto is planned to be 150,000 units per year, with 88,000 scheduled for export markets, of which 77,000 - or 50% of total production - for Europe. First customer deliveries are set for April and by year-end Kia anticipate that a total of 43,000 Picantos will have been delivered to customers.

The Picanto is manufactured at a new factory in Suhsan, a few kilometres from Kia´s Hwasung plant.

2005 Kia Picanto #1

[dracu777]

STYLING

Cheeky, wide-eyed visual appeal

Combining cheeky wide-eyed appeal with sporty, modern lines, the exterior of the Kia Picanto is clearly inspired by European tastes and preferences. Designer Kang Lee has given the new small car a distinctive and attractive appearance with the people-carrying abilities of a mini-MPV.

The front view of Picanto features a trapezoid radiator grille with vertical strips for visual impact. The rounded front bumper incorporates a broad air intake dam flanked on each side by polygonal front fog lamps. The headlamp cluster incorporates large turn signals and multi-focus reflectors to ensure maximum illumination and a sparkling, gleam-in-the-eye vitality.

The side profile of the Picanto is both stylish and functional. The deep doors promise to create a protective metal cocoon around the occupants, while the generously proportioned windows ensure that the spacious interior is light and airy. The high, curving roofline emphasises the interior volume, while the flick-up of the rear side window gives the profile of the car a dynamic forward motion.

At the back of the car, the broad C-pillar adds to the stability of the car´s appearance and once again hints at the Picanto´s mini-MPV credentials. The symmetry between the curvaceous rear windscreen, the enlarged rear light clusters, and the broad rear bumper panel creates a robust quality and imparts a balanced harmony that is uncommon in the A-segment.

The tail light cluster is large and easily visible, extending up the sides of the car. The turn signals are white coloured for a fresh look and increased visibility. The jewelled polycarbonate lens covers are designed to increase visibility even in the poorest weather conditions.

Also increasing visibility is a high mounted stop-lamp incorporated into the tailgate. The rear window features a black trim to mask its interior structure, and create an oval cut-out effect that complements the curves on the rest of the vehicle.

The body-coloured lift-up door-handles fit flush with the side of the car for a more streamlined, up-market appeal. The door mirrors, available in black or body-coloured paint depending on model, are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and wind noise. The big-car feel of Picanto is completed by the use of 14-inch diameter wheels, with a choice of steel or alloys. Sportier three-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are also available.

Two-tone curves that focus on function

The interior design of Picanto was crafted specifically to appeal to the tastes of European A-segment car buyers, and continues the same adventurous styling that characterises the exterior of the vehicle. It focuses on functionality and ergonomics. Controls are ergonomically positioned to ensure the maximum ease of use, while the curves and planes are kept simple to ensure they never lose their freshness.

The two-tone interior trim - dark upper and pale lower - highlights the internal space and full fabric trim blends style and comfort into a relaxing driving experience that is accentuated by a full range of convenience features, even on the entry-level model. The seats and door trim will be available in three different two-tone variations - black-silver, black-orange and black-blue - matching a range of exterior colors, to give customer a choice of vibrant interior décor.

The dashboard is arched and contoured to mirror the shape of the steering wheel. On the driver´s side a broad lip extends over the instrument cluster, which consists of three analogue dials and a multifunctional LED display. A digital clock is incorporated into the cluster.

The three-spoke, tilt-adjustable steering wheel features an embossed Kia logo in the centre and is polyurethane padded for safety. Leather trim for the wheel and gear knob can be specified.

From the twin central air vents, the fascia flows smoothly down from the dashboard to encompass the audio system and the heating and ventilation controls, which are rotary-type for ease of use and clearly marked for increased visibility. The optional air-conditioning controls are on a slide-switch beneath the rotary dials.

The central fascia is finished in a high grade plastic to match the colour tone of the interior and features an optional metal grain trim. In the automatic model, a metallic gear selector gate adds an extra touch of flair to the interior.

Additional air vents are positioned at the left and right sides of the dashboard and feature an on-off function.
The door panels, available in various colours variations, reflect the design of the rest of the interior and feature a cloth trim with a high-grade plastic surround. The gently curving driver´s door armrest contains controls for the electric windows and outside mirror adjustors.

2005 Kia Picanto #2

[dracu777]

VERSATILITY

MPV-style utility in a mini-car package

A key customer benefit, which Kia designers were determined to achieve during the Picanto´s development, was maximum versatility. Aiming to appeal to active drivers and families with young children, the goal was to ensure that Picanto answered the widest possible range of consumer wants and needs.

Essentially, the goal was to provide MPV-style utility within a mini-car package. With that goal in mind, the Picanto was designed to provide the maximum amount of interior space - comfortably accommodating four large adults - and to make that space fully flexible for a wide range of uses.

The Picanto´s exceptionally roomy interior makes it ´best-in-class´ in many ways. Front headroom is an impressive 1,003 mm while rear passengers enjoy 966 mm of space. Legroom is 1,041 mm at the front and 872 mm at the rear, providing ample space for both driver and passengers. Shoulder room at the front is a spacious 1.290 mm, while passengers in the rear enjoy the car´s 1,292 mm of interior breadth.

The generous space for people is enhanced by a grand total of 19 cabin storage areas. The centre console features two beverage holders at the front, one of which can be used to hold a removable ashtray, and a third at the rear for rear seat passengers. A mobile phone tray and a rear storage tray complete the console stack. In the dashboard there are two storage trays below the steering wheel on the driver´s side and a two-layer glove box facing the passenger.

Both front seats have seat back pockets; the passenger seat even has a side pocket for storing books and magazines. The two front doors also both contain hard-case map pockets. A case for storing sunglasses is mounted above the driver´s door. A ticket-holder can be found on the rear of the driver´s sun visor. A storage tray under the passenger seat rounds out the range of storage areas in the front of the car, while a luggage tray in the trunk keeps small or valuable items secure.

The Picanto´s spacious trunk has a storage capacity of 157 litres with the rear seat raised, expanding to a maximum of 882 litres with the complete rear seat cushion tipped forward and the backrest folded flat.

On most models, the rear seat backrest and cushion are split 60/40 split to offer up to seven different configurations for the rear seats. The high opening angle of the tailgate and the wide access to the luggage compartment makes it easy to load and unload. The trunk also features a luggage net to ensure that cargo does not move around the storage space when the car is moving.

Comfortable driving environment

The Picanto´s seats have been designed to provide great comfort and support for people of all shapes and sizes. Both the driver and front passenger seats feature a sliding cushion and reclining backrest. The steering wheel can be height adjusted to ensure that a comfortable driving position can be easily achieved. As an option, both front seats can be ordered with electrically heated cushions and backrests. In Europe, five-seater versions of the Picanto provide a fifth adjustable headrest in the center position of the rear seat.

The driving controls are laid out to ensure maximum vehicle control without sacrificing comfort. The clearly laid out instrument panel is easy to read at a glance and features an adjustable back-light for night driving operated from a rotary switch below the steering wheel. The rear-view mirror features manual dipping for alternate day and night settings.

On the driver´s door armrest is a panel of switches allowing the driver to control all four electric windows (where fitted) and the positions of the door mirrors. The switch for the driver´s window has an auto-down facility for added simplicity, while it is possible to lock all the windows if required.

The whole of the driver´s space is configured to allow the driver to maintain total control of the vehicle at all times. The result is a comfortable, relaxing driving experience that makes no sacrifices in terms of safety and security.

2005 Kia Picanto #3

[dracu777]

ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS AND PERFORMANCE

Lively, sporty and miserly with fuel

At launch, the Picanto comes with a choice of gasoline engines - a 1.0-litre or a 1.1-litre SOHC (single overhead camshaft) powerplant - and either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission (available on the 1.1-litre only). In 2005, a diesel engine will join the model line up.

Both gasoline engines are compact, are using lightweight aluminium parts with 12-valve cylinder heads. Size-for-size, they offer an excellent blend of lively, sporty performance, outstanding fuel economy, and super-clean exhaust emissions. They are fitted with three-way catalytic converters and meet Euro 3 or 4 emissions standards, depending on countries´ regulations.

The 1.1-litre engine generates a maximum of 65 ps at 5,500 rpm and 9.9 kg.m of torque at 2,800 rpm, making the Picanto one of the most powerful cars in its class. Offered with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, this highly efficient engine produces a miserly 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre with manual transmission.

According to Kia´s tests, the 1.1-litre Picanto will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 15.1 seconds, will reach a maximum speed of 154 kph - where traffic regulations allow - and will travel for 100 km on 4,9 litres of fuel. With a 35-litre fuel tank, the useable range of Picanto between re-fuelling stops should be in the region of 700 kilometres.
The 1.0-litre engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, produces 61 ps at 5,600 rpm and 8.8 kg.m of torque at 2,800 rpm. In terms of CO2 emissions, this Picanto is also one of the most efficient cars in its class. It emits just 118 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

During 2005, a 1.1-litre diesel version of the Picanto with a five-speed manual gearbox will become available in Europe. Powered by an all-new, innovative 3-cylinder, second-generation common-rail diesel engine, it will boast high power (more than 70 ps) and high torque (over 15 kgm at just 2,000 rpm), with emissions as low as 113 g/km.

Manual or automatic transmissions

The five speed manual gearbox used in Picanto is fitted with a cable-operated clutch for smooth, effortless shifting and optimum gear ratios chosen to suit a wide range of driving conditions. First and second gear ratios feature a double cone synchronizer that reduces friction and offers significantly smoother and quieter gear shifting. Reverse gear has an anti-rattle system to reduce noise whenever this ratio is selected.

The four-speed ´adaptive´ automatic transmission features a variable force solenoid (VFS) valve system that automatically adjusts the supply of oil via an electronically controlled valve, allowing smoother, more efficient changes of gear and reduced engine noise. An electronic controller monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and oil temperature to ´adapt´ the transmission characteristics to the suit an individual driver´s style and ensure optimum, safe gear changes.

2005 Kia Picanto #4

[dracu777]

SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR

European-style ride and handling

The Kia Picanto is fitted with independent suspension designed to deliver both agile handling and a supple, comfortable ride on European roads.

At the front, a subframe beneath the engine bay supports the lower arms of the McPherson Strut suspension, and optimises wheel alignment and steering geometry. Following industry ´best practice´, the co-axial coil springs are offset for smooth operation. The shock absorber strut incorporates the anti-roll bar attachment point, to provide handling stability and improved ride without sacrificing mounting rigidity. A zero camber angle for the front wheels allows the Picanto to steer and maneuver with minimal effort and low tyre scrub.

At the rear, the Picanto suspension employs twin trailing A-frame arms, linked by a transverse subframe beam. The suspension geometry is set to maximize tyre grip and handling stability. Mounted alongside each other, the coil springs and shock absorbers make a compact and effective ride-enhancing package. Tall and slender, the design of the rear suspension ensures minimum intrusion into the trunk space.

A factory-fitted ´High Suspension´ option is available for customers living in countries or regions with a preponderance of rough or unpaved roads. This option raises the suspension by 10 mm for increased wheel travel, while retaining the original spring and damper characteristics. The standard suspension set-up has a 19 mm anti-roll bar at the front. Every Picanto model utilizes the same steering design . The power-assisted rack and pinion system has a 14.0:1 ratio, and requires 2.8 turns of the 370 mm diameter steering wheel lock-to-lock. The turning circle of the Picanto is just 4.6 meters between kerbs.

In most European countries, the standard wheel and tyre package for Picanto is a 14 inch diameter, 5.0 inch wide steel wheel, with 165/60 R14 radial tyres. For 1.0-litre models, low-rolling resistance tyres with Silica may be fitted for even greater fuel economy.

To suit customer preference, larger wheels in a variety of styles and wider, lower profile tyres are available, and may be adopted as the ´standard´ fit in some countries. A choice of 14 x 5.0 inch steel or alloy and 15 x 5.5 inch alloy wheels are offered shod with 165/60 R14 or 175/50 R15 tyres. In some countries, entry-model Picantos will be available with 13 x 4.5 inch steel wheels and 155/70 R13 tyres.

In Europe Picantos are not equipped with a spare wheel, but are provided with an easy-to-use temporary tyre repair kit that gives owners up to 200 kilometres of mobility before the need to visit a service or tyre repair centre.


2005 Kia Picanto #5

[dracu777]

EQUIPMENT

High-specification arrives in the A-Segment

For a small car, the Picanto provides a great deal of comfort and practicality. The car also incorporates a range of technologies - some visible, some beneath the skin - to ensure the maximum in driving pleasure. Kia has a proud reputation for packing a lot of car into a value price range, and the Picanto takes that reputation a stage further.

The Picanto´s impressive interior space and amazing fuel economy are aided significantly by the inclusion of a Tyre Mobility Kit (TMK) that obviates the need for a spare wheel and saves around 9 kg in weight.

The TMK, developed by Continental, consists of a small compressor and a liquid sealant. In the event of a puncture, the sealant is injected into the tyre through the valve. The tyre can then be inflated again, using the compressor, and the car driven as normal. The rotation of the wheel distributes the sealant, which congregates naturally at the puncture point. After about 10 minutes of driving the air pressure should be checked and topped up as necessary. Running on the ´temporarily repaired´ tyre, the car can be driven for up to 200 km at speeds up to 80 kph before having the tyre professionally repaired or replaced.

TMK allows a driver to repair a flat in less than 10 minutes - without jacking up the car, or removing a wheel - compared to about 30 minutes to replace a wheel. This means the driver spends less time in the potential danger zone at the side of the road. The TMK system can be used effectively at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +70°C and under most weather conditions, adding to both the safety and versatility of the Picanto.

Cool air and cool sounds

The Picanto offers customers a choice of a manual temperature control system or optional air conditioning unit. On both systems, large easy to operate rotary dials govern temperature, airflow, and fan-speed. The air-conditioning is activated with a simple soft-touch button below the dials and controlled with a sliding switch. A germ-proof filter, that blocks dust and pollen as well as filtering out microbes and unpleasant smells, complements this system.

The choice of head-unit for the Picanto´s audio system varies to best suit customers´ regional preferences. Sound is broadcast through two, four or six speakers, with a speaker mounted in both the front and rear doors and a tweeter mounted in each of the A-pillars. Every Picanto features a radio antenna mounted on the leading edge of the roof. Each audio system is tuned with respect to every aspect of the vehicle´s interior to ensure the very best acoustic performance.

Powered for comfort and convenience

The Picanto includes a full range of electrical refinements as standard with additional optional features for maximum ease of use.

Most models feature powered windows (with an auto-down feature on the driver´s window), powered outside mirrors (adjusted using a switch on the driver´s door armrest), and remote powered central locking (for all four doors and the tailgate).

Electrical systems are protected by a battery saver that automatically turns off the headlamps and any other active electrical systems when the engine is switched off, preventing the battery from running down when the car is unattended and ensuring that it will start first time, every time.

2005 Kia Picanto #6

[dracu777]

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Sophisticated kit makes Picanto ´best-in-class´

Kia is determined to offer its customers the highest levels of safety when travelling in one of the company´s products - from the smallest to the largest of its vehicles. Extensive research and development into structural design and vehicle behaviour in real-world accidents, has resulted in Picanto providing excellent occupant protection for an A-Segment car.

The best way to protect occupants is to help the driver avoid hazardous situations. Picanto´s line up of active-safety features includes good visibility, agile handling, responsive power steering and a highly effective braking system.

Unusually for this class of vehicle, Picanto comes with disc brakes all round - ventilated 241 mm diameter 18 mm thick discs at the front and 234 mm solid 10 mm thick discs at the rear. The four-disc system is backed up by state-of-the-art ABS anti-lock and EBD (electronic brake force distributor). The ABS system allows the driver to apply maximum brake force to all four wheels without locking them, to retain steering control and avoid excessive understeer.

EBD can sense different passenger and cargo loads, and helps to distribute braking force evenly front-to-rear, to maximise the effectiveness of the braking system, and achieve the shortest possible stopping distances. This system enables the Picanto to come to a complete stop from 100 kph in just 41 metres.

Eight features to enhance passive safety

The first line of defence during an accident is the actual structure of the car. Kia has employed the very latest finite element analysis techniques to create a bodyshell for Picanto that combined compact dimensions and light weight with a robust passenger survival-cell and crush zones. Such elements enable the shell to deform in a controlled manner to ensure impact forces are distributed widely and with the least possible transfer of forces to the occupants.

As well as the inherent strength of the bodyshell, Picanto is equipped with high-tensile steel beams in each door to resist and disperse side impact forces, reinforced front and rear bumpers (that can absorb 4.0 kph impacts without deformation), and child safety locks on the rear doors. Warning lights in the instrument panel alert the driver if any door or the tailgate is not properly shut.

Seatbelts are both simple and effective safety aids, and the Picanto is fitted with three-point seatbelts for all five occupants in the five-seat version. The front seatbelts have height-adjustable top mounts (for greater security and a more comfortable fit), and pretensioners with load limiters (to tighten the seat belt in the event of a collision and maintain consistent loading to minimise g-force peaks and occupant bruising). An ISOFIX anchorage point for a child safety seat is fitted in the rear seats cushion.

Driver and passenger front airbags are installed as standard, while side airbags mounted in both front seats are also available. Sensors gauge the severity of a frontal impact before deploying the airbags. This ensures that the airbags are not triggered by low impact collisions during parking manoeuvres or by stresses not caused by impact, such as hitting a pothole at high speed.

Additional sensors in the central B-pillars control deployment of the side airbags. In the event that a side impact is registered, a signal is also relayed to the front airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners, ensuring that all the car´s safety systems work in an integrated fashion to provide full occupant protection.

Security while using Picanto is enhanced by the fitting of central locking and remote releases for both the tailgate and the fuel filler flap. To ensure the Picanto remains secure when parked, it also comes with an engine immobiliser and (as an option) keyless entry and an anti-theft alarm.

The car´s electronic control module (ECM) uses a special encryption algorithm to check that the key inserted in the ignition carries the correct coding that matches the code stored within the ECM. If the codes do not match, the engine will not start.

2005 Kia Picanto #7

[dracu777]

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Body & Chassis

Four/five-seater, five-door hatchback, with all-steel unitary body-chassis construction. Choice of two transversely-mounted, front engines (gasoline or in 2005, diesel) driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission (depending on model).

Choice of two equipment levels – LX and EX.

Engines
1.0 Gasoline
Type Single-overhead camshaft, four-cylinder, in-line
Capacity 1.0-litres, 999 cc
Max power 61 ps at 5,600 rpm
Max torque 8.8 kgm at 2,800 rpm
Compression ratio 10.0 to 1
Bore & stroke 66.0 mm x 73.0 mm
Valves three per cylinder, total 12
Fuel injection Electronic multi-point injection
Oil capacity 3.0 litres
Materials cast iron block; aluminium overhead, cylinder heads and oil-pan
Emission Control Closed loop, three-way catalytic converter

1.1 Gasoline
Type Single-overhead camshaft, four-cylinder, in-line
Capacity 1.1-litres, 1,086 cc
Max power 65 ps at 5,500 rpm
Max torque 9.9 kgm at 2,800 rpm
Compression ratio 10.1 to 1
Bore & stroke 67.0 mm x 77.0 mm
Valves three per cylinder, total 12
Fuel injection Electronic multi-point injection
Oil capacity 3.0 litres
Materials cast iron block; aluminium overhead, cylinder heads and oil-pan
Emission Control Closed loop, three-way catalytic converter


2005 Kia Picanto #8

[dracu777]

2005 Kia Picanto #9

[dracu777]

2005 Kia Picanto #10

[dracu777]

2005 Kia Picanto #11

[derekthetree]

these are supposed to be good, no frills, cheap motoring. I've always thought they've looked pretty good too

[dracu777]

they've looked pretty good too

I agree. Not bad for this segment

[Man of Steel]

Kia Picanto #12

[Cotterik]

My girlfriend's just bought one of these. A Kia Picanto 'Ice' 1.1. She's got a pretty good finance deal on it. She decided it was time for her '94 106 to get replaced. Its a decent little car. She loves it. Metallic black. Manual. Shagginwaggin

the new style look like this. Hers is in black though: