MOTOR

All-new Kia Picanto here

Revolutionary motoring design combined with superlative performance has raised the bar in the local compact 'City Car' segment with the launch of the new generation 'Kia Picanto,' the new global automotive sensation from the top Korean car manufacturer.

Stand-out styling that exudes solidity and maturity, consistent with Kia's description of a 'small car all grown up,' has been backed up with advanced safety features, eco-friendly technology and an array of class-leading personalised options in the completely re-designed and re-engineered new five-door Picanto.

Available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions according to customer preferences, the new Picanto, complements other aspects with solid performance credentials.

Its Kappa 1.0 MPI engine is structured to generate an optimum blend of power and economy and delivers a maximum of 69 ps at 6,200 rpm and enhanced fuel economy of 20.2 km/l.

In terms of design, for which the new Picanto has received rave reviews from fans around the world, highly individual styling and differentiated elements based on distinct modernity give the new model an unique appearance with a dignified and confident view from the front and a rear view with an edgy style that conveys wide proportional stability.

Strong emphasis on harmony is also evident in the new Picanto's distinctive flowing lines which have been extended to its headlamps. The radiator grille and air dam have been blended to the overall design through well-balanced proportions. This distinct design has also been extended to its interior which has also been structured to ensure maximum comfort of occupants through the use of ergonomics.

Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has said of this latest automotive sensation: "In profile, the 2012 Kia Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance."

"The new Picanto is the ultimate compact urban car with its sporty design, strong performance, cutting edge personalised options and flexibility and is true value-for-money," Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited Managing Director Mahen Thambiah said. "It is an exceptional vehicle that seamlessly blends great form and functionality and has the potential to raise the profile of users and the compact car segment."

"The new Picanto is about being stylish without being excessively so and we are confident that its sophisticated appeal will be extremely well received in Sri Lanka," he said.

KIA Motors (Lanka) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colonial Motors, has represented the KIA brand in Sri Lanka since 1995.