Launched last month in Indonesia, the facelifted Kia Picanto makes its public debut at the 2015 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). The updated A-segment hatch comes to the region a mere three months after its worldwide unveiling in Geneva in March.
Changes are minor, limited to new front and rear fascias – at the front, the bumper design is more rounded, the already-massive lower grille has been made even larger, and the fog lights are now projector units, housed in reprofiled surrounds. There’s also a reshaped “tiger nose” upper grille, and judicious use of gloss black trim.
Out the back, the bumper has been squared off, and the fog and reverse lights have been reshaped to fit. More gloss black trim features around the rear valence. New dual-tone 14-inch wheels complete the look.
Interior revamps are similarly minute – the instrument cluster has been revised with new silver trim and meter graphics, and the trip computer and reset buttons have been relocated to the steering wheel.
The steering-mounted audio controls have also been rejigged, as has the head unit itself with slightly fewer buttons. There’s some new silver trim on the air vents, too, along with a revised gearlever gate for the four-speed automatic transmission.
No changes under the bonnet, with the Picanto continuing to be powered by the familiar 1.25 litre Kappa II Dual CVVT four-pot producing an unchanged 87 PS and 120 Nm. Also untouched are the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearbox options.
It appears, however, that the new look is only available on the top-spec Platinum model, which is only available with the auto’box; the standard manual and auto variants look to soldier on with the old aesthetic.
Added features on the Platinum include projector halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, keyless entry and push-button start.
Safety-wise, the range-topper adds dual airbags and ABS with EBD. No side or curtain airbags, stability control, rear centre three-point seat belt or rear disc brakes, even as an option – a little strange considering we get these features as standard, whether manual or automatic.
The Kia Picanto Platinum retails at 187 million rupiah (RM56,000), 15 million rupiah (RM4,500) more than the standard A/T and 29 million rupiah (RM8,700) more than the standard M/T.
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Just got the Picanto for my wife back in June and although I am impressed with the long spec list the FC is quite bad for such a small car plus there are the usual interior rattling sounds I find in all new cars in Bolehland.
This FL brings some minor improvements except for the same thirsty engine but I still prefer the re FL rear end design. I think the trip reset buttons will still be located at the speedometer panel because ours is the high spec model which also includes steering wheel BT control.
On facelifted Picantos equipped with Bluetooth, the audio and call controls have all been placed on the left spoke – the trip and reset buttons stays on the right spoke, sharing the space with buttons for the new optional cruise control.
The little nub in the speedometer is still there on certain models, but there it’s used to control the brightness of the instruments’ backlighting.
Junk of a car. Better use Proton, top quality and good RV. At the same time, we support our country. Kimchi buyers support Korean economi. Let us support our own Proton
High fc is normal for new car, engine still tight. Wait until a few services at least, it should then improve.
If 6 speed auto gearbox maybe better fuel comsuption
Buy a 12 month old unit.
Should be around RM10k
Indo picanto safety spec sure is very spartan. Not even have ESC n side/curtain airbag. boleh spec has ESC plus 6 airbag…
is it just me or the picanto’s lower part of streering looks like a big smile?
The True Myvi Killer in terms of safety.
Jonathan what’s the point of putting RM56k in the title when it’s not selling in Malaysia for that price? That’s somewhat misleading. If it’s selling in Indonesia for a certain amount of rupiah then put the rupiah value in the title, not RM which implies it can be purchased in Malaysia for that amount.
Enough is enough with Kimchi’s Car.. very bad RV! Buy Toyota vios better lar..