Why the Kia Picanto 1.2 LS is the range’s gem

Kia Motors South Africa has added a new 1,2-litre LS model to its local Picanto range.

The newly introduced Kia Picanto 1.2-litre LS engine joins the 1.0 LS entry level model that was added to the range late last year. Competitively priced at R139 995 the new model costs a mere R10 000 more than its 1-litre counterpart but crucially undercuts the 1.2 EX range-topper by almost 40K.

Starting with the exterior the Kia Picanto 1.2 LS adopts a similar look to the 1.0 LS, boasting colour-coded door handles and side-mirrors as well as 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

You get to enjoy standard equipment which covers air-conditioning, adjustable steering wheel and 60:40 split folding rear seats. However, the Picanto 1.2 LS doesn’t feature a radio as standard, but then again, you get two front speakers with a USB connection ready to work with an aftermarket unit. For safety the new derivative also features a driver’s airbag and Isofix child-seat anchors in the rear.

Echoing its counterpart, the Picanto 1.2 LS shares its powertrain and five-speed manual transmission with the Picanto 1.2 EX – the engine outputs 65kW and 120Nm. You also get a choice to mate the four-cylinder to an automatic transmission gearbox with a price that amounts up to R152 995.

Kia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty comes standard. Options include a two-year/45 000 km service plan and a sunroof (the latter for R7 500).

* The Picanto range starts at R129 995 (for the 1.0 LS) and R191 995 (for the 1.2 EX Automatic).