Following its debut in Korea earlier this year, KIA Motors has started the global production of the 2017 KIA Picanto, and the flagship variant is the sporty ‘GT-Line’ that could bring another coveted title for the South Korean brand.
The KIA Picanto GT-Line is one of the cheapest hatchbacks in the world that has a performance focus. The turbocharged engine that KIA will start offering in the fourth quarter of 2017 on this variant, will on paper, make it the cheapest performance vehicle of the world.
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The third generation KIA Picanto is the first KIA Picanto made in a sporty ‘GT-Line’ trim. Its styling is inspired by that of the company’s high-performance GT models, such as the KIA Optima GT. The exterior gets the sporty treatment with red, silver and black highlights in the grille and intakes.
For the interior, KIA offers the entire range of colors in the KIA Picanto GT-Line including High Gloss Black, Brown, Blue, Red and Lime. The sporty trim also gets flat-bottomed steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.
The turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine develops 100 PS (98hp) and 172 Nm of torque and is the most powerful unit ever offered in the company’s A-segment model. This engine will send power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
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The KIA Picanto’s segment accounts for more than one million units a year in Western Europe, and KIA expects its latest offering to sell over 60,000 units. While the naturally aspirated engines would be the volume sellers, the GT-Line 1.0L T-GDi model will help it increase its market share by gaining a new set of customers, including those previously opting for cars like the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and the Nissan Micra.
The Kia Picanto 1.0-litre T-GDi in UK will be priced under £15,000 (PKR 20.1 lac).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
