Galway Advertiser 2008/GA_2008_01_10/GA_1001_E1_128.pdf 

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MOTORING

January 10 2008

WHEELS

The Galway Advertiser's Motoring Pages with Padraic Deane

Updated Kia Picanto to prove popular with new VRT regime

The upgraded 2008 Picanto is the latest addition to the Kia model range, presenting consumers with what the Korean carmaker says is a winning combination of exciting contemporary design, lively competitive performance, classleading interior dimensions, great fuel economy, and ultra-low emissions. The newly updated Picanto prices start at 11,995 ex-works for the entry-level 1.0 L version. Attractively restyled and refreshed, while retaining the original model's zest-for-life character, the new 2007 Picanto is a car that is still small on the outside, but feels big on the inside. It is capable of seating four full-size adults, or a family of five in comfort. It is exceptionally versatile with a wide range of seating options and a spacious interior that merits the description mini-MPV. The original Picanto took Kia

into the A-segment for the first time and, since launch, has attracted more than 1,200 buyers in Ireland and become the second most popular A Segment car becoming a key model in Kia's growth strategy. Now Kia's design teams in Korea and Europe have revisited the company's smallest car, preserved its young, sporty, and friendly spirit, and evolved the new 2007 Picanto, a car with more glamorous looks, an even more friendly fee, and upgraded equipment. "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving second position in its segment in its first full year on sale - tremendous achievement for Kia's first A segment vehicle," commented James Brooks, managing director of Kia Motors Ireland. "Now we have refreshed our small car, upgraded its equipment, and introduced a range of customer

benefits to maintain its appeal and expand sales over the next few years. The Picanto with its low running costs and low emissions is the ideal car for those who want to benefit from the new VRT rates." Kia says the new Picanto is styled to be more rounded and intimate. It is 40mm longer, featuring an extended rounded nose, and a slightly deeper, larger, rear bumper. New panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, front bumper, and rear bumper. The front and rear light clusters are new and follow the rounded theme. The wheelbase is unchanged, while the doors, tailgate, and all internal bodyshell panels are carried over from the successful predecessor model. The door mirror design is new. Inside the 2008 Picanto introduces a factory-fit, tailor-made radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, plus a re-styled centre stack, height-adjustable

driver's seat, and a newly styled reddish orange illumination instrument cluster. Outside, Kia tells us there is a choice of five exciting new contemporary colours and new-style alloy wheels. Mechanically, the 2007 Picanto is unchanged and available in 1.0 and 1.1 litre petrol engines with maximum power of 62bhp @ 5600rpm and 65bhp @ 5500rpm respectively. Picanto is also fuel efficient and environmentally friendly with combined fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km for the one litre engine and 5.2 litre/100km for the 1.1 litre engine. CO2 emissions are at 117g/km (1 litre) and 118g/km (1.1 litre). A 1.1 litre automatic model is also available, with combined fuel consumption of 5.8 litre/100km and CO2 emissions of 137g/km. Here Picanto is being offered in three trim levels; L, LX, and EX. Standard specification on the L

model includes power steering, tilt adjustable steering wheel, ABS with EBD, twin airbags, side impact protection system, three-point rear seatbelts, ISOFIX anchor points, electric front windows, and CD audio with MP3 LX specification adds body coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors, sunglasses holder, remote central locking, perimeter alarm, and front fog lamps. The Picanto 1.0 LX sells at 12,495 ex-works and the 1.1 LX auto has a price-tag of 13,995 ex-works. EX specification adds 14" alloy wheels, chrome door handles, USB and i-Pod connector, leather steering wheel and gear knob, metal grain centre fascia, metal pedals, rear electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, and indicator repeater in side mirrors. The newly updated top of the range Picanto 1.1 EX sells at 13,495 ex-works.