Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines has launched the all-new Picanto. Now on its third-generation, the 2018 Picanto (read our First Drive Impressions) brings with it a more youthful and energetic appearance, high-quality and high-tech cabin, and assertive yet frugal performance.

Designed by Kia’s design centers in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany, the Picanto is a bold and fun-looking super mini. With the wheelbase pushed out by 15 millimeters (up to 2,400 millimeters) it looks more assertive and planted. Upfront, it uses strong and straight vertical lines to visually lower its stance while accentuating the trademark “tiger-nose” grille and wraparound headlights. This confident face is echoed at the back with the upright and wide C-pillar.



Inside, the Picanto has successfully created a thoroughly modern and refined cabin. Featuring new materials and layout, it adds a greater sense of quality for occupants. Already boasting increased cabin dimensions, the use of horizontal motifs further adds visual width. Comfort levels have also been greatly improved thanks to a new seat construction for the front passengers as well as a more reclined bench for a more relaxed posture for the rear passengers.

Apart from comfort, the Picanto has a more efficient packaging despite having an on-road footprint similar to the outgoing model. It offers more cabin and luggage space with more leg- and headroom room than comparable super minis. The lower step height allows for easier ingress/egress while the re-designed dashboard itself frees up more knee and legroom for the front passengers. Cargo carrying capacity is up to 255 liters—the most in its class. It can even grow almost four times (1,010 liters) with the rear seats folded.



The previous Picanto has been lauded for its immediate responses and comfortable ride, and Kia has worked hard to emulate these characteristics in the 2018 model. Carrying the same MacPherson Strut front, Torsion Beam Axle rear layout, engineers have realized greater ride stability and even quicker handling. The revised body dimensions alone allow the pitch center of the car to be moved back helping reduce “nose dive” under braking without firming up the suspension. A quicker steering rack enables sharper steering responses while a reduced number of turns make it easier to maneuver at low speeds.

Underpinning the Picanto’s quicker, more responsive handling is a choice between two efficient small-capacity gasoline engines. Serving to minimize weight, these downsized engines serve up spritely acceleration required of a super mini. These Kappa series engines are shared with the outgoing model, but have been enhanced to improve efficiency and durability.



Mated to a 5-speed manual is the 1.0-liter MPI engine. Providing the entry point to the Picanto family, it produces 67 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 3,570 rpm. This 3-cylinder Euro 4 compliant engine is the most fuel-efficient engine available to Picanto buyers. Upgrades to the engine include a new exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, a two-stage oil pump, and a new cooling system with shut-off valve.

The other engine is the 1.25-liter MPI engine. Mated solely to a 4-speed automatic, this 4-cylinder Euro 4 compliant engine produces a peak power of 84 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. For its application in the new Picanto, engineers have optimized the valve timing of the dual CVVT system. New low-friction coated piston rings also help reduce cylinder friction for added efficiency.



Refinement has been dramatically improved as well with a range of modifications designed to further isolate the cabin from vibrations and noise from the road, wind, and the engine. The result is a car that offers the quietest cabin in its segment both at idle (39 dB) and at a steady cruise (68 dB).

Another big surprise at the launch is the showcase of the sporty GT Line. Inspired by the sportier appearance of Kia’s other high-performance GT models, the Picanto 1.2 GT Line gets a more aggressive styling with unique bumpers, side skirts, and exhaust. It’s enhanced further by projector-type headlights with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, LED brake lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a rear wiper. The GT Line also gets more convenience and safety features than the standard Picanto such as anti-lock brakes, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and split-folding rear seats.

CAC is still undecided whether or not to bring in the Picanto GT Line as a regular part of the Picanto line-up. As it stands, it stays as a limited edition model at P 787,000. Meanwhile, the non-GT Line 2018 Picanto is available only in two variants: the 1.0 M/T at P 625,000 and the 1.2 A/T at 685,000.