If there’s a car that proves size is not a guarantee of dominance, it’s the Kia Picanto. Since it has been accompanying the Israeli market (since 2011), it has led the mini category to the extent that Picanto is almost synonymous with a small car—similar to what Berlingo did for the pickup market.
Now, the car arrives in Israel after undergoing a comprehensive facelift, affecting almost all of its key components, including the exterior appearance, passenger compartment, equipment, engine, and safety systems.
At the same time, the model is also becoming more expensive; the entry-level LX version, primarily sold through zero-kilometer deals, now costs NIS 105,000, an increase of NIS 2,000. The well-equipped GT Line, primarily sold to private customers, now costs NIS 106,000, NIS 1,000 more than before.
There’s not much competition left, with the cessation of Hyundai i10 imports from Turkey and the end of Mitsubishi Space Star production; it is now left only with the Toyota Aygo X.
In terms of external dimensions, there’s no significant change, with the overall length adding a centimeter to reach 3.6 meters, a width of 1.6 meters, a height of 1.49 meters, and a wheelbase of 240 centimeters; the trunk volume remains unchanged at 255 liters.
What has changed is the exterior appearance, now featuring a front that resembles the current generation of Kia models, particularly the electric ones with the standing lighting units. The two trim levels also differ in exterior appearance, with the GT Line sporting larger wheels (16 instead of 15 inches), full LED lighting, and sportier-designed bumpers.
Both versions feature an 8-inch multimedia screen with Android and Apple compatibility and built-in apps for Waze and Pango. The dashboard receives a 4.2-inch digital display. The LX is, as mentioned, the more basic of the two; aside from rear parking sensors, cruise control, and an automatic light sensor, it’s hard to say it has exceptional equipment. The GT Line adds smart key access, climate control, electric mirror folding, synthetic leather upholstery, full LED lighting, side mirror indicators, and a sunroof.
In terms of safety systems, the Picanto, which has been a leader in its category, continues to offer lane departure correction, sign recognition, and autonomous braking.
The new air pollution regulations, which have already reduced the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine's output by 20 horsepower, have forced the Picanto’s 1.2-liter engine to undergo modifications, resulting in a 5-horsepower reduction to a total of 79 horsepower. These are connected to a single-clutch automated transmission. The performance, which was never outstanding, has been affected: It now takes 16.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 159 km/h, compared to 15.7 seconds and a maximum of 172 km/h for the pre-facelift model. There is no change in the declared fuel consumption, which stands at 17.2 km per liter.
The longer-than-usual warranty package, lasting 7 years or 150,000 kilometers, will only be provided to buyers purchasing the car directly from the importer, Talcar. Buyers from zero-kilometer deals and leasing and rental companies will only receive the standard warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers.