2017 Kia Picanto (3rd Gen)

DRIVEN: Kia Picanto X-Line is a funky addition to the range

Gear changes were smooth and effortless and the clutch light and easy to depress. There’s not much feedback from the steering wheel but the Picanto wasn’t designed for its handling characteristics and your average owner probably doesn’t care too much anyway.

At highway speeds there’s very little road or wind noise and it feels solidly planted even if you push the needle a bit more than a speed trap would allow so I wouldn’t hesitate to throw some luggage in the 255 litre boot and head out of the city.

The Kia Picanto X-Line manual retails for R237 995 and the auto for R251 995 and I reckon it’s going to make it even more popular than it already is.

It’s backed up by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and a two-year/30 000km service plan.

www.iol.co.za

DRIVEN: Kia Picanto X-Line is a funky addition to the range

The new 2021 Kia Picanto X-Line adds some crossover flavour to the traditional compact hatch recipe.
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
Kia Picanto range officially gains X-Line flagship in South Africa

Kia Motors South Africa has released official details of its upgraded Picanto range, which gains not only a little extra standard kit but also fresh X-Line flagship derivatives.

Earlier in February 2021, we published pricing for the two new X-Line models, which each gain a redesigned grille, more aggressive front bumper, LED headlamps, revised rear bumper and LED taillamps as well as faux skid-plates, “crossover-inspired” body cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels. Kia says an optional sunroof is available “on special order” for an extra R8 000.

As a reminder, the Picanto 1,2 X-Line is priced at R237 995, while opting for an automatic transmission pushes the figure to R251 995.

Effectively replacing the previously range-topping Smart models, the X-Line derivatives boast two-tone artificial leather upholstery, a new eight-inch colour touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality) and a reversing camera.

www.carmag.co.za

Kia Picanto range officially gains X-Line flagship in South Africa...

Kia has released official details of its upgraded Picanto range, which gains not only a little extra standard kit but also fresh X-Line derivatives.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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DRIVEN: Kia Picanto 1,2 X-Line

It's become quite clear that South Africans want crossovers in their driveways. Current entry-level offerings in this body shape, though, are limited to the (rapidly expanding) sub-four-metre segment, which include the likes of the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Honda WR-V and Hyundai Venue. While there's certainly value to be found here, many of these models are approaching the R300 000 mark (or even heading beyond), which is simply too steep for some. In an attempt to make a crossover-type vehicle a little more accessible, Kia Motors South Africa has introduced an X-Line option for its A-segment hatchback, the Picanto.

The X-Line doesn’t merely add a more robust look to the Picanto, with its plastic cladding around the front, rear and sides, and its update grille and front bumper arrangement. To make it feel more like a crossover, the ride height has been raised by 15 mm as well. And, since the X-Line effectively replaces the Smart trim level as the Picanto’s flagship offering, the faux-crossover offers a plethora of standard features. These include LED head- and taillamps with auto-on functionality and a set of 15-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin of the X-Line is by no means budget, either. Here you’ll find various convenience and comfort features such as two-tone faux-leather upholstery for the seats, steering wheel and gear shifter; an armrest; and an 8,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a reverse camera display. For an additional R8 000, you can also specify a sunroof.

FAST FACTS

Model: Kia Picanto 1,2 X-Line
Price: R237 995
Engine: 1,2-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power: 61 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 122 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 11,45 seconds
Top Speed: 170 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,0 L/100 km
CO2: 166 g/km
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: Two-year/30 000 km service plan

www.carmag.co.za

DRIVEN: Kia Picanto 1,2 X-Line - CAR Magazine

CAPE TOWN, Western Cape – It’s become quite clear that South Africans want crossovers in their driveways. Current entry-level offerings in this body shape, though, […]
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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Even this x-line top spec only has 2 airbags and no stability control. Why aren’t our regulators making more airbags and stability control mandatory. We in 2021 for f*** sake.
 
XPD said:
Even this x-line top spec only has 2 airbags and no stability control. Why aren’t our regulators making more airbags and stability control mandatory. We in 2021 for f*** sake.
Click to expand...

Infotainment systems and looks are seemingly more important than safety in South Africa. It's actually really disappointing when you look at how Kia/Hyundai skimp on safety features in SA and how poorly some of the cars we get here perform in crash tests.

What's the point of a "crossover" Picanto anyway? The fake dual exhaust outlets look especially absurd.
 
Kia Picanto X-Line (2021) Launch Review

Verdict

No, there isn’t anything strikingly different about the Picanto range... The X-Line offers a more eye-catching design that fits in with the crossover look that’s currently selling well across the board. Aside from that, not much really needed to change as the small-car offering is still relevant and just as competitive within the segment. The engine and transmission are excellent and the chassis feels planted and stable, where some of the competition can feel wayward and light under windy or slippery conditions.

Interior space is perhaps the one aspect in which the Picanto falls short of its intended rivals, but it matches most of them in terms of load-bay capacity. Overall, the Picanto continues to present an easy choice for buyers looking for peace of mind, thanks to its long warranty, as well as a fuss-free package that's equipped with all the modern gizmos to keep it relevant in a cutthroat segment of the market.

Picanto X-Line pricing

1.2 Manual X-Line R237 995
1.2 Automatic X-Line R251 995

www.cars.co.za

Kia Picanto X-Line (2021) Launch Review

We’ve driven Kia’s newest addition to the Picanto range – the X-Line. It has crossover-inspired styling and more specification, but how does it stack up against a plethora of competitors? What is a Picanto X-Line? The new radiator grille and front bumper design distinguish the X-Line model from...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 

Kia Picanto 1.2 X-Line (2021) Review​

Kia Picanto Fast Facts ​

Model tested: Kia Picanto 1.2 X-Line
Price: R237 995 (as of March 2021)
Engine: 1.25-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
Power/Torque: 61 kW/122 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Fuel Consumption: 5.0 L/100 km
Load capacity: 255-1010 litres
Top speed: 170 kph

Price and after-sales support ​


Pricing for the updated Kia Picanto range starts at R187 995 and tops out at R251 995; the 1.2 X-Line manual (tested here) costs R237 995. All Picanto models feature an unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as an inclusive 2-year/30 000 km service plan. This service plan can be extended at a cost.

Verdict

The sheer visual appeal and liberal specification levels make the Kia Picanto 1.2 X-Line an interesting offering. You get a LOT of car at this price point, plus the crossover look will win over many hearts. Combined with an eclectic colour palette, the Kia Picanto X-Line is just... adorable. Our only major gripe is the limited load capacity, but this is an inherent Picanto issue and not specific to the X-Line we tested. It really is a small city car, however: similarly-priced rivals offer a touch more legroom and bigger luggage capacities. If a car's load-carrying ability is not important to you (if you are considering a Picanto, it's unlikely to be), we have no hesitation in recommending the Kia Picanto as a great city car; it offers an excellent suite of features, impressive on-road manners... and a whole lot of charm.

www.cars.co.za

Kia Picanto X-Line (2021) Review

The Kia Picanto range was recently adjusted to offer more value, but the headline news was the addition of a cute X-Line derivative. We spent some quality time with the adorable range-topper. We like: Comprehensive spec, an energetic engine, feels premium inside. We don’t like: Rivals offer more...
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za

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DRIVEN: KIA Picanto 1.2 X-Line hits the sweet spot amongst compacts

With its light steering, rear parking sensors and camera, inner city and tight mall parking should be a cinch even for the most nervous drivers.

As you would expect for a small car fuel consumption is one of its strong points and over the week I drove it that included school runs and urban commuting averaged 5.4l/100km, slightly over Kia’s quoted 5.0l/100km.

There’s hardly a stretch of road where you won’t come across a Picanto such is its popularity. The Kia Picanto X-Line adds a funky spin on a successful recipe and in a relatively cluttered segment gives it an appeal that most competitors don’t have.

www.iol.co.za

DRIVEN: KIA Picanto 1.2 X-Line hits the sweet spot amongst compacts

If your budget is limited, but you really want a brand new car, you might want to consider the latest 2021 Kia Picanto X-Line
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
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