Styling & Design

Cheeky, wide-eyed visual appeal

Combining cheeky wide-eyed appeal with sporty, modern lines, the exterior of the Kia Picanto is clearly inspired by European tastes and preferences. Designer Kang Lee has given the new small car a distinctive and attractive appearance with the people-carrying abilities of a mini-MPV.

The front view of Picanto features a trapezoid radiator grille with vertical strips for visual impact. The rounded front bumper incorporates a broad air intake dam flanked on each side by polygonal front fog lamps. The headlamp cluster incorporates large turn signals and multi-focus reflectors to ensure maximum illumination and a sparkling, gleam-in-the-eye vitality. 

The side profile of the Picanto is both stylish and functional. The deep doors promise to create a protective metal cocoon around the occupants, while the generously proportioned windows ensure that the spacious interior is light and airy. The high, curving roofline emphasises the interior volume, while the flick-up of the rear side window gives the profile of the car a dynamic forward motion.

At the back of the car, the broad C-pillar adds to the stability of the car´s appearance and once again hints at the Picanto´s mini-MPV credentials. The symmetry between the curvaceous rear windscreen, the enlarged rear light clusters, and the broad rear bumper panel creates a robust quality and imparts a balanced harmony that is uncommon in the A-segment.

The tail light cluster is large and easily visible, extending up the sides of the car. The turn signals are white coloured for a fresh look and increased visibility. The jewelled polycarbonate lens covers are designed to increase visibility even in the poorest weather conditions.

Also increasing visibility is a high mounted stop-lamp incorporated into the tailgate. The rear window features a black trim to mask its interior structure, and create an oval cut-out effect that complements the curves on the rest of the vehicle.

The body-coloured lift-up door-handles fit flush with the side of the car for a more streamlined, up-market appeal. The door mirrors, available in black or body-coloured paint depending on model, are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and wind noise. The big-car feel of Picanto is completed by the use of 14-inch diameter wheels, with a choice of steel or alloys. Sportier three-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are also available.

Two-tone curves that focus on function

The interior design of Picanto was crafted specifically to appeal to the tastes of European A-segment car buyers, and continues the same adventurous styling that characterises the exterior of the vehicle. It focuses on functionality and ergonomics. Controls are ergonomically positioned to ensure the maximum ease of use, while the curves and planes are kept simple to ensure they never lose their freshness.

The two-tone interior trim - dark upper and pale lower - highlights the internal space and full fabric trim blends style and comfort into a relaxing driving experience that is accentuated by a full range of convenience features, even on the entry-level model. The seats and door trim will be available in three different two-tone variations - black-silver, black-orange and black-blue - matching a range of exterior colors, to give customer a choice of vibrant interior décor.

The dashboard is arched and contoured to mirror the shape of the steering wheel. On the driver´s side a broad lip extends over the instrument cluster, which consists of three analogue dials and a multifunctional LED display. A digital clock is incorporated into the cluster.

The three-spoke, tilt-adjustable steering wheel features an embossed Kia logo in the centre and is polyurethane padded for safety. Leather trim for the wheel and gear knob can be specified.

From the twin central air vents, the fascia flows smoothly down from the dashboard to encompass the audio system and the heating and ventilation controls, which are rotary-type for ease of use and clearly marked for increased visibility. The optional air-conditioning controls are on a slide-switch beneath the rotary dials.

The central fascia is finished in a high grade plastic to match the colour tone of the interior and features an optional metal grain trim. In the automatic model, a metallic gear selector gate adds an extra touch of flair to the interior.

Additional air vents are positioned at the left and right sides of the dashboard and feature an on-off function.
The door panels, available in various colours variations, reflect the design of the rest of the interior and feature a cloth trim with a high-grade plastic surround. The gently curving driver´s door armrest contains controls for the electric windows and outside mirror adjustors.

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.