Always Forward, Never Dull : The 2024 Kia Picanto Sprints Into South Africa

As it lands in South Africa, the 2024 Kia Picanto isn’t just tiptoeing into the market, it’s blasting through the A-segment door with a cheeky grin and a bold swagger that says, “I’m here to stir things up!” Celebrating its 21st birthday, this isn’t just a car—it’s a seasoned party animal dressed in a brand-new suit.

With over 100,000 units sold since its debut in 2004, it’s clear the Picanto isn’t just a fleeting acquaintance in South Africa—it’s practically family. The new model’s snazzy upgrades and ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy mean it’s not just another facelift, it’s more like your cool cousin who just came back from a year abroad with stories to tell and a new sense of style.

The latest iteration sticks to its petite proportions—nifty for squeezing into those “last spot on the left” parking spaces—but don’t let its size fool you. This little dynamo packs a punch with its improved 1.0 and 1.2-litre engines that whisper sweet nothings about lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. So, while it may be small, it’s also mighty thoughtful about our planet.

Inside, the Picanto is as chic as a miniature luxury loft. The 8-inch touchscreen claims center stage, making connectivity a breeze—because, let’s face it, nobody wants to fiddle with buttons the size of a tic-tac when driving. Black cloth upholstery comes standard, but for those who like a bit of pizzazz, there’s an option for two-tone leather that screams ‘look at me!’

Kia’s thrown in a whole array of color choices, including the intriguingly named Sporty Blue and Adventurous Green. It’s like choosing a superhero cape—what kind of road warrior do you want to be?

Let’s not overlook the safety features, this little fortress includes dual front airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX anchors, making it a veritable tank (albeit a very compact one). The new LX model starts as the gateway car, tempting with high-value promise and the notion that ‘entry-level’ need not be synonymous with ‘sparse.’

For those with a little more to spend, the Picanto EX and EX Plus bring the goods with additional treats like LED rear combination lights and push-button start. It’s the automotive equivalent of a middle-class neighborhood sprinkled with a few luxury condos.

Priced from a reasonable R 260,995 for the basic LX manual up to R 325,995 for the EX Plus Auto, it’s clear Kia’s kept its eye on the value-for-money ball. Each model ships with Kia’s robust warranty and a prepaid service plan that almost makes regular maintenance seem like a visit to the spa—for your car, at least.

In a nutshell, the 2024 Kia Picanto isn’t just keeping up with the times, it’s sprinting ahead, eager to prove that being small can still mean thinking big. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking to downsize your automotive footprint, it’s clear that this little car with a big heart is here to stay—and it’s more forward-thinking than ever. So, buckle up, South Africa, the new Picanto is ready to roll, and it promises to be one exhilarating ride!

The new Kia Picanto goes on sale on Monday, 22 April 2024. Recommended retail pricing for the range is as follows:

• Kia Picanto 1.0 LX Manual: R 260,999

• Kia Picanto 1.0 LX Auto: R 278,995

• Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Manual: R 284,995

• Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Auto: R 302,995

• Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Manual: R 307,995

• Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Auto: R 325,995