New Kia Picanto X-Line Gets New Engine, Styling, Elevated Ground Clearance

Kia has expanded the Picanto family by launching the X-Line version, which goes on sale across Europe from the start of Q4.

It’s powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder T-GDI engine that comes from the Cee’d and Rio, delivering 100PS (99hp) and 172Nm (127lb-ft) of torque to the wheels.

The lump makes it the most powerful Picanto ever, but don’t expect any mind-blowing performance, as the car needs 10.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph). The NEDC average fuel consumption is 4.5 l/100 km (62.77 UK mpg / 52.27 US mpg), and CO2 emissions stop at 104 g/km.

Kia says that the same engine is also being introduced to the Picanto GT-Line, with identical output and performance.

Visually speaking, the new Kia Picanto X-Line has a series of rugged design cues, such as the larger bumpers with metal-look skidplates on both ends, unique grille and fog lamp surrounds, finished in lime green or silver highlights, and black cladding around the wheel arches. It also gets a 15mm (0.59in) raised ground clearance compared to the regular models, thus making it more SUV-like, in the company’s own words.

Some of the equipment found on the rugged-looking A-segment car include the 16-inch wheels, LED DRLs and fog lamps, shark-fin antenna, keyless entry, aluminum pedals, 7.0-inch touchscreen HMI with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, wireless smartphone charger, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

It also features standard VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) body construction, and six airbags. Customers can specify it with the AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) as an option.

Kia will parade the new Picanto X-Line in front of the crowd during the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, from September 12.