Kia is launching a 3 door version of its new city car, the 2012 Picanto, in the UK.
In terms of dimensions, the Kia Picanto 3 Door is identical to the 5 door version, while as far as trim options, this new version is offered in four equipment grades which are ‘1’ and ‘1 Air’, carried over from the 5dr version plus Halo and Equinox.
As standard the 3 door comes equipped with ABS, EBD, ESC, BAS (emergency Brake Assist System), a trip computer, an adjustable steering wheel and a radio/CD player while the 1 Air grade adds air conditioning to the lists.
The Halo and Equinox levels come with USB and AUX ports, an iPod cable and audio controls on the steering wheel, plus Bluetooth connectivity, automatic lights and LEDs at the front and rear. Additionally the Halo gets 14 inch alloys, heated seats at the front, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, alloy pedals and a Supervision Cluster.
The Equinox spec gets the red ‘Chilli’ leather upholstery, distinctive 15 inch alloy wheels, the Galaxy Black metallic body finish, automatic air conditioning, and a smart key with a start/stop button.
Powering options for the 2012 Kia Picanto 3 door include a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol delivering 68 bhp and 95 Nm of torque and a 1.25-litre 4-cylinder petrol producing 84 bhp and 121 Nm of torque.
Pricing for the 2012 Kia Picanto 3 door ranges from 7,795 GBP and sales across the UK will start on September 1st, 2011.
| Variant | Power – bhp | Torque – lb/ft | CO2 | Combined mpg |
Price (OTR) |
| 1.0 ‘1’ | 68 @ 6,200 rpm | 70 @ 3,500 rpm | 99 | 67.3 | £7,795 |
| 1.0 ‘1 Air’ | 68 @ 6,200 rpm | 70 @ 3,500 rpm | 99 | 67.3 | £8,395 |
| 1.25 ‘Halo’ EcoDynamics | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 100 | 65.7 | £11,695 |
| 1.25 ‘Halo’ Auto | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 125 | 53.3 | £12,295 |
| 1.25 Equinox | 84 @ 6,000 rpm | 89 @ 4,000 rpm | 109 | 60.1 | £11,695 |
The changes and the updates on this car makes it a real contender to be taken seriously in the small city car market. It looks super modern and as if from one of the Major manufacturers like Ford or Vauxhall, but look at what you get, a 7 year warranty. We will see more and more of the Kia Picantos on the road as people downgrade, renew and basically save money. Well done KIA, keep them coming.