autoevolution
 

2018 Kia Picanto X-Line Is Frankfurt’s Biggest Fauxover

Turning city cars and subcompact hatchbacks into false crossovers isn’t a new thing. Kia is the latest automaker to enter the fray, and regardless of how cheeky it is to call the Picanto X-Line “crossover-inspired,” the little urban dweller isn’t half bad. In fact, it looks a little bit better than the regular Picanto.
2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show 11 photos
Photo: Guido ten Brink/SB-Medien
2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show2018 Kia Picanto X-Line live at 2017 Frankfurt Motor ShowKia Picanto X-Line Combines Turbo Engine and Crossover DesignKia Picanto X-Line Combines Turbo Engine and Crossover DesignKia Picanto X-Line Combines Turbo Engine and Crossover Design
Presented at the IAA 2017 and scheduled to hit European showrooms in the last quarter of the year, the Picanto X-Line sports 15 more millimeters of ground clearance. The squared-off body is enhanced with plastic cladding, while contrast color packages liven up the physique even further.

Already outselling its predecessor, the all-new Picanto will see even better sales figures once the X-Line arrives in dealership lots. Adding to the momentum is the most powerful engine available for the Picanto. The 1.0-liter T-GDI three-cylinder turbo develops 100 PS (99 horsepower) at 4,500 rpm and 172 Nm (127 pound-feet) from merely 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

Performance isn’t exactly up there with hot hatchbacks, with the Picanto X-Line needing 10.1 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph). On the flip side, it’s a frugal little thing, drinking 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers on the combined cycle. “Nice skidplates it has up front and at the rear,” you might be tempted to say, but oh no. That’s plastic painted in a metallic color, so don’t go thinking the newest member of the Picanto family can handle its own off the beaten path.

Boasting segment-leading cabin space and 255 liters of trunk capacity with the rear seats up, the Picanto X-Line also happens to be fairly generous on equipment. 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, keyless entry, 7.0-inch infotainment with satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the small-sided econobox has a lot of neat features worthy of being mentioned.

As it’s the case with all Kia models on sale in the Old Continent, the Picanto X-Line is covered by a 7-year/150,000-kilometer warranty. Not bad, huh?
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories