Kia’s new Picanto model set to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March will be even greener than the previous model.
Its Korean car maker is set to offer a choice of up to four all-new super-efficient powertrains – three versions of the 1-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine (petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa power unit. The exact choice will depend on individual markets, so don’t be surprised if the flex-fuel models don’t make it here in the UK.
Nonetheless UK models will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technologies, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100g/km CO2-meaning it could be London congestion charge free. That’s much lower than the current model which in its greenest guise, emits 114g/km of CO2 and averages 58.5 mpg. The new model hits this new low despite being longer than the outgoing model and sitting on an extended wheelbase is capable of offering 27 per cent more cargo space.
Set to go on sale in the UK in late spring, the new model will initially be available as a five door model only with a three door version arriving in the autumn.
Power outputs will range from 69 to 85 ps, with maximum torque between 94 and 121 Nm depending on the model. The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model choice.
Pricing for the UK and European markets will not be announced until closer to the launch date.
The next generation Picanto will make its global premiere on March 1, the opening press day of the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.
