Kia Motors will officially launch its first car in the Indian market in 2019, and the first model to go on sale will be a compact SUV based on SP Concept unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018. Besides SP concept, the company has introduced the new Stinger sportback and 14 new cars from its global lineup. The Kia Picanto is one such product, which has made its India debut at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. This model will go on sale in the Indian car market, however, the exact launch details are yet to be announced. Globally, the Picanto hatchback is in its third generation and received a makeover in December 2016.
In India, the Kia Picanto hatchback will be positioned squarely against the Hyundai Grand i10, Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift. The car’s new model had its public debut at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, and the same model has been showcased at the auto show. With an investment of $1.1 billion, Kia Motors has established its first production plant in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh in the Q2, 2019. Check Out – Upcoming Kia Cars in India
With an assertive new design, high-tech interior and lots of customization options, the Kia Picanto is the most versatile car in its league, claims the company. Designed by Kia’s Namyang, Korea, Germany and Frankfurt design centers, this new hatchback carries an aggressive fascia featuring a small, squared bonnet and sharp pulled-back headlamps flanking the small mesh grille with chrome surround. From the looks of it, the hatchback appears agile and bold, reminding of Hyundai cars from its native place. In global markets, Picanto is available with petrol engines, however we expect Kia to offer petrol and diesel engines for the Indian market. Read – Kia Stonic Compact SUV: Pictures & Details
Kia Picanto At Auto Expo 2018 – Photos
Kia Picanto India Launch Date
The new Picanto hatchback has been unveiled at the 14th edition of Asia’s biggest automotive event. Exact launch details are yet to be divulged by the automaker, but media reports suggest that the car could be launched in early 2019. We will update you as soon as Kia reveals anything on the same. Read – Kia Rio Sedan To Challenge Maruti Ciaz in India
Kia Picanto Price in India
| Maximum | Rs 4 lakh |
| Minimum | Rs 7 lakh |
Taking into account that Picanto will be priced below Hyundai i10 (Grand i10 in India) globally and Kia is contemplating to set up a manufacturing facility in India, Picanto should be priced aggressively. It would be wise for Kia to venture here with an affordable model in a bid to set foot in India. While the company aims at aggressive pricing for this hatch; however, it is too pre-mature to comment on that. Speculations suggest that the 2017 Picanto price in India might fall in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Read About – Kia Sportage SUV & Soul Crossover
Kia Picanto Picture Gallery
Kia Picanto India Specifications
| Petrol (Expected) | 1.2-litre 4-cylinder |
| Diesel (Expected) | New 1.2-litre |
In international markets, the new Picanto is made available with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder that pushes out a maximum power of 66bhp and 96.2Nm of torque. The car also comes with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine churning out a maximum power of 83bhp and a more powerful 99bhp, 1.0-litre, turbocharged petrol unit boosted with direct injection (T-GDI) technology. The latter one is the most powerful turbo petrol engine ever offered on the hatchback.
As for the Indian market, there is yet no information but we expect the car to come in both petrol and diesel guise. While the petrol version could get a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder unit, the oil burner is likely to be a new 1.2-litre unit. The same powertrains currently powers the new Grand i10 hatchback.
Kia Picanto India Colours
In the global markets, the Picanto is available in 11 paint schemes. Out of these, 6 shades are new on the hatchback – Lime Light, Aurora Black, Shiny Red, Sparkling Silver, Pop Orange and Celestial Blue. The India-bound model is likely to be offered with the same colour options.
Kia Picanto India Exterior
The new Picanto is a fun-looking urban city car. Carrying sporty design and sharp elements, the hatchback looks quite aggressive from the front fascia. The sharp angular headlamps are connected with a small mesh grille with chrome surrounds. The straight horizontally running lines emphasise on the ‘tiger-nose’ grille and wrap-around projector headlights with LED DRLs and indicators. As we move down to the larger bumper, it carries various elements like fog lamps, hexagonal lower grille and side skirts etc.
The side view enhances visual appeal with bold window line, flared wheel arches and supporting lines. The distinctive lines running along the shoulder, side skirts and around the wheel arches add more to its sporty appearance. Proportionally, Picanto measures 3,595mm in length, 1,595mm in width and 1,485mm in height.
Kia Picanto India Interior
Interior of the Kia Picanto looks more refined and upmarket than its previous global model. The predominantly horizontal design and a stain chrome effect strip running across the dashboard and leather upholstery enhance its premium feel and appeal. Kia is offering a range of customisation options with the hatchback including five optional colour packs with artificial leather upholstery and stitching – High Gloss Black, Brown, Blue, Red and Lime. These contrast shade seats can be matched with the optional new door armrests.
The hatchback offers good headroom and leg space. For storing luggage, it offers around 255-litres of space which can be expanded to 1,010-litre by folding the rear seats. The global model comes layered with a 7.0-inch HMI touchscreen infotainment system with 3D map, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Picanto is claimed to be safer than the previous model. With Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), the hatchback now weighs 23kgs lighter improving its tensile strength by 12%.
Safety duties on the car are taken care of by six airbags (front, front side and curtain), AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. However, there is no clarity whether the India-bound version will come with all these equipment or not.
Kia Picanto India Features
– Centrally aligned dashboard
– 7.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen HMI
– Apple CarPlay
– Android Auto
– Reversing Camera
– USB port
– Airbags
– Automatic Emergency Braking (AEM)
2017 Kia Picanto Official Sketches
