Engines Transmissions and Performance

Lively, sporty and miserly with fuel

At launch, the Picanto comes with a choice of gasoline engines - a 1.0-litre or a 1.1-litre SOHC (single overhead camshaft) powerplant - and either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission (available on the 1.1-litre only). In 2005, a diesel engine will join the model line up.

Both gasoline engines are compact, are using lightweight aluminium parts with 12-valve cylinder heads. Size-for-size, they offer an excellent blend of lively, sporty performance, outstanding fuel economy, and super-clean exhaust emissions. They are fitted with three-way catalytic converters and meet Euro 3 or 4 emissions standards, depending on countries´ regulations.

The 1.1-litre engine generates a maximum of 65 ps at 5,500 rpm and 9.9 kg.m of torque at 2,800 rpm, making the Picanto one of the most powerful cars in its class. Offered with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, this highly efficient engine produces a miserly 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre with manual transmission.

According to Kia´s tests, the 1.1-litre Picanto will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 15.1 seconds, will reach a maximum speed of 154 kph - where traffic regulations allow - and will travel for 100 km on 4,9 litres of fuel. With a 35-litre fuel tank, the useable range of Picanto between re-fuelling stops should be in the region of 700 kilometres.
The 1.0-litre engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, produces 61 ps at 5,600 rpm and 8.8 kg.m of torque at 2,800 rpm. In terms of CO2 emissions, this Picanto is also one of the most efficient cars in its class. It emits just 118 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

During 2005, a 1.1-litre diesel version of the Picanto with a five-speed manual gearbox will become available in Europe. Powered by an all-new, innovative 3-cylinder, second-generation common-rail diesel engine, it will boast high power (more than 70 ps) and high torque (over 15 kgm at just 2,000 rpm), with emissions as low as 113 g/km.

Manual or automatic transmissions

The five speed manual gearbox used in Picanto is fitted with a cable-operated clutch for smooth, effortless shifting and optimum gear ratios chosen to suit a wide range of driving conditions. First and second gear ratios feature a double cone synchronizer that reduces friction and offers significantly smoother and quieter gear shifting. Reverse gear has an anti-rattle system to reduce noise whenever this ratio is selected.

The four-speed ´adaptive´ automatic transmission features a variable force solenoid (VFS) valve system that automatically adjusts the supply of oil via an electronically controlled valve, allowing smoother, more efficient changes of gear and reduced engine noise. An electronic controller monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and oil temperature to ´adapt´ the transmission characteristics to the suit an individual driver´s style and ensure optimum, safe gear changes.

Editors´ note
Please note that technical and equipment specifications and options availability for the Picanto LX and EX models, may vary country by country. Please check with your local Kia Distributor for final details and prices.