Kia New Zealand has confirmed that the Picanto range will with boosted with a new three-cylinder turbocharged SUV variant - the Picanto X-Line.
The new model is set to make it's public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September, before going on sale across Europe where Picanto sales are up 23 per cent this year.
“The X-Line is an exciting model and we’re very much looking forward to seeing it join our Picanto line-up," said Todd McDonald, Kia Motors New Zealand General Manager.
“We’ve had a very positive response to the new Picanto since it went on sale here and the SUV styling of the X-Line adds another dimension. It’s very much on trend.”
The Picanto X-Line will feature a more rugged design with SUV-styled bumpers, metal-look skidplates at the front and rear.
Unique to the X-Line model are contrasting colour packs on the grille and fog lamp surrounds, and black cladding around the wheel arches.
The X-Line will also have another 15mm of ground clearance compared to a standard Picanto.
Under the bonnet will be Kia’s 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, making it the most powerful Picanto ever.
The little power unit produces 73kW of power at 4,500rpm and 172Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000rpm, allowing the X-Line model to accelerate from 0-to-100kph in 10.1 seconds and achieve fuel economy of 4.5 L/100 km.
Like much of the Picanto range, the X-line model will feature 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, shark-fin antenna, and keyless entry.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen houses navigation with 3D maps, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration.
A rear-view parking camera and wireless smartphone charger and USB port are also available on X-Line models. Like the Picanto GT Line, the Picanto X-Line is fitted as standard with a sporty D-cut steering wheel.
The new Picanto is the safest A-segment car Kia has ever made thanks to a High Strength Steel body construction and six standard airbags.
Active safety features such as standard-fit Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control. In addition, the new Picanto will be available with Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Currently there are three Picanto models in the New Zealand range, headlined by the sporty GT Line auto.
Despite confirmation the little city car will make its way to New Zealand, Kia is yet to confirm a local launch date or pricing. Expect to hear that announcement towards the end of 2017.
