KIA Picanto X-Line Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Kia knew that customers were eager to get themselves behind the wheel of a crossover or SUV, and since it didn't have anything to offer in the small-sized segment, it created the X-Line for the Picanto lineup.

The world had enough station wagons and minivans, and customers started to appreciate more vehicles with higher ground clearance and a rugged appearance. Thus, the SUV market gained a lot of traction all over the world. At the same time, Kia already had a few successful models, such as the Seltos, the Sportage, or the Sorento, but nothing that appealing in the small segment. Yet, it already produced the Picanto lineup. So, all it had to do was to work a little on the car's chassis and its bodywork, thus creating the X-Line.

The new attitude was obtained by raising the ground clearance of a regular Picanto by just 15 millimeters (0.6"). In addition, the small vehicle received a body kit that mimicked an off-road vehicle. At the front, the bumper was enhanced with contrasting colored fog light clusters and an aluminum-looking underbody shield. In addition, the unique alloy wheels designed especially for the Picanto X-Line showed a tougher appearance.

Inside, the automaker offered a similar interior as in the rest of the Picanto range, although it enhanced it with a few contrasting details on the door cards. A few bright gray trims adorned the vents and the center console around the gear stick. Yet, since the base vehicle was still the small-sized Picanto, it didn't provide any additional legroom or headroom.

Under the hood, Kia installed its new inline-three turbocharged gasoline engine. It paired it with a five-speed manual that sent the power to the front wheels and called it a day.