Kia facelifts Picanto for 2013:
Regular IAB readers know that the Kia Picanto is nothing but a Hyundai i10 with a better sense of fashion and we Indians seem to agree with that especially after test mules fell prey to our readers’ lenses on more than few occasions, with and without camouflage. The model spotted testing did not carry the changes seen on the 2013 Picanto.
See and know about the trail left behind by the Kia Picanto
What's new?
For the 2013 model year, Kia has updated their urban runabout which, in some countries, is called as ‘Morning.’ The design still feels fresh and hence the changes to the exteriors are limited to glossy detailing for the black plastics in the grille and fog lamp housing. The shape of the tail lamps is the same but the elements are re-profiled and LEDs are used. Also it gets a new Pink color option to lure its prospective feminine masters.
On the inside too, the changes are subtle. The glove box is now illuminated; the material quality and finish are up a notch and the new steering wheel, just like the exterior black plastics, sports glossy finish.
Under the fancy skin:
The existing three cylinder 1.0 litre motor that is good enough for 80 bhp, is now mated to a new CVT gearbox. The manufacturer claims an average fuel consumption of 20.8 kmpl. There is also a five-speed manual gearbox doing the duty for the bio-fuel version of the motor which belts out 82 horses. The 1.2 litre petrol engine remains the same. These powertrain options are also offered on the i10, some options are extended to Indian customers too.
Safety and efficiency:
The 2013 Picanto is equipped with ESP as standard and Start/Stop system is now offered as an option.
Nothing for us in it:
We Indians may love the Picanto, but the bitter fact is that Hyundai has no plans yet to bring the Kia brand to the sub-continent, as it’ll only cannibalize their already well established sales, not to mention their service network. So the stylish Picanto, for us, is just an eye-candy on the internet then!
