MPV-style utility in a mini-car package
A key customer benefit, which Kia designers were determined to achieve during the Picanto’s development, was maximum versatility. Aiming to appeal to active drivers and families with young children, the goal was to ensure that Picanto answered the widest possible range of consumer wants and needs.
Essentially, the goal was to provide MPV-style utility within a mini-car package. With that goal in mind, the Picanto was designed to provide the maximum amount of interior space – comfortably accommodating four large adults – and to make that space fully flexible for a wide range of uses.
The Picanto’s exceptionally roomy interior makes it ‘best-in-class’ in many ways. Front headroom is an impressive 1,003 mm while rear passengers enjoy 966 mm of space. Legroom is 1,041 mm at the front and 872 mm at the rear, providing ample space for both driver and passengers. Shoulder room at the front is a spacious 1.290 mm, while passengers in the rear enjoy the car’s 1,292 mm of interior breadth.
The generous space for people is enhanced by a grand total of 19 cabin storage areas. The centre console features two beverage holders at the front, one of which can be used to hold a removable ashtray, and a third at the rear for rear seat passengers. A mobile phone tray and a rear storage tray complete the console stack. In the dashboard there are two storage trays below the steering wheel on the driver’s side and a two-layer glove box facing the passenger.
The Picanto’s spacious trunk has a storage capacity of 157 litres with the rear seat raised, expanding to a maximum of 882 litres with the complete rear seat cushion tipped forward and the backrest folded flat.
The high opening angle of the tailgate and the wide access to the luggage compartment makes it easy to load and unload.
Comfortable driving environment
The Picanto’s seats have been designed to provide great comfort and support for people of all shapes and sizes. Both the driver and front passenger seats feature a sliding cushion and reclining backrest. The steering wheel can be height adjusted to ensure that a comfortable driving position can be easily achieved. As an option, both front seats can be ordered with electrically heated cushions and backrests.
The driving controls are laid out to ensure maximum vehicle control without sacrificing comfort. The clearly laid out instrument panel is easy to read at a glance and features an adjustable back-light for night driving operated from a rotary switch below the steering wheel. The rear-view mirror features manual dipping for alternate day and night settings.
On the driver’s door armrest is a panel of switches allowing the driver to control electric windows.
The whole of the driver’s space is configured to allow the driver to maintain total control of the vehicle at all times. The result is a comfortable, relaxing driving experience that makes no sacrifices in terms of safety and security. |
