Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), just launched the third-generation Picanto boasting a bold, new exterior design and more modern touches.
The all-new Kia Picanto was revealed for the first time at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The brand featured the performance-oriented GT-Line trim together with the nameplate’s other variants, building anticipation for their commercial release later in the year.
The same GT-Line was launched simultaneously in five select dealerships across the country. Metro Manila customers can see the car at Kia’s newest showroom located at the 5th floor of SM Megamall’s building B. Its also on display in Kia Carmona In Southern Luzon, Kia Pampanga in Central Luzon, Kia Gorordo-Cebu in Visagas and Kia Davao in Mindanao.
As an additional treat, the provincial dealer patrons can get the chance to see the 1st and 2nd Generation Kia Picanto on display alongside the 3rd and latest version with its 1.0L M/T and 1. 2L A/T variants.
Hernando D. Gañac, Jr., CAC’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, focuses on some of the many improvements that you will see in the latest Kia Picanto. “As one of Kia’s best-selling models across the globe, we knew it would be a challenge to improve on the current version. This new model retains all of the outgoing model’s strengths but now offers increased performance and new technologies.”
The All-New Picanto brings a young and dynamic character to the sub-compact market. Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille now extends the sides up to the headlights, more reminiscent of the sportier models like the Rio and the Forte. This is the result of collaboration between the Kia design centers in Namyang, South Korea and Frankfurt, Germany. The exterior now features a more assertive stance with bolder bodylines, This stance is helped by the 15mm added to the wheelbase without any increase to the overall length of the vehicle.
Inside, the cabin has been modernised and refined. The new materials give an added sense of quality for the occupants, The horizontal design is meant to highlight the increase in cabin space. The larger interior capacity can also be noticed all around the vehicle. Headroom, legroom and also shoulder room has been improved in the latest model.
Driving the All-New Picanto is a true pleasure. It’s an ideal combination of stability and assured handling thanks to the sensation of a direct connection from the steering wheel to the road. The improvements in the chassis now result in a more balanced and responsive driving experience. It’s priced at P625K for the M/T and P685K for the A/T. Experience the improvements and the familiarity of the all-new Kia Picanto yourself, Head over to your nearest Kia dealership or visit kia.com/ph for more information.
Photos by Neil Pagulayan