Kia has announced that it will be adding to its latest range of new car deals with the introduction of six models.
These will be hi-spec incarnations of its existing range, in a bid to satisfy public demand for even more luxurious cars following Kia's record-breaking sales growth in the UK.
There are luxurious touches and extra technology aplenty in the new Picanto models.
First up it's the Picanto 4. This range-topping five-door car is fitted out with a 1.25-litre 84bhp petrol engine driving through a five-speed manual gearbox that is linked to Kia's fuel-saving ISG engine stop/start system.
All of the refinements that made the Picanto 3 so popular are present, including automatic air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED rear combination lights. New additions include an electric tilting and sliding sunroof and – in a first for the Picanto range – a UV solar windshield glass that cuts out glare and UV light in the cabin.
Finally, there is a heated steering wheel, a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button.
All this luxury is twinned with great performance and economy. With the Picanto 4 offering 62.8mpg on the official combined cycle, CO2 emissions of 106g/km and a top speed of 106mph. The car is in insurance group 12 and priced at £11,995.
The new Picanto 3 Automatic 5-door has the exact same spec as the other Picanto 3 variants, but has automatic transmission.
Other new models include the Sorento KX-4, which brings Parallel Park Assist, memory seat functions, stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, rear side door sunshade blinds and a silver front mesh grille to the manufacturer's popular SUV and the pro cee'd SE Tech. This will become the most lavish version of Kia's European-built three-door hatchback. It is only available with a 1.6-litre 126bhp CRDi turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
Two new Rio models – the 4 and the 3 Automatic 5-door – round out the new offerings.
Posted by Bob Fletcher