2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km

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Kia's all-new 2012 Picanto, which will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, aims to raise the bar in the A-segment via slashed emissions and increased fuel economy. The five-door Picanto supermini will hit dealerships across much of the world (excluding the U.S.) this spring, but the three-door hatchback version won't appear until fall.

All Picanto models will be offered with four powertrain choices that are estimated to return between 40 and 56 miles per gallon (U.S.). Kia's engine choices range from a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder flex-fuel-capable engine on up to the top of the line 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill. Power output spans from 68 to 84 horsepower and emissions vary from a high of 105 grams per kilometer of CO2 on down to a mere 95 g/km.

Over in Europe, all Picanto models will be available with Kia's fuel-saving start-stop system, which slashes emissions to a low of 90 g/km of CO2 and boosts fuel economy to a high of 57 mpg (U.S.). Look for more on the 2012 Picanto as its debut in Geneva draws near.

[Source: Kia Motors]
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- All-new powertrains with low emissions and enhanced economy
- Advanced 'large car' comfort and safety features, plus great value
- Global premiere scheduled for March 1 at Geneva Motor Show

(SEOUL) January 24, 2011 – Kia customers will benefit from the next generation Picanto's greatly reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy when the company's latest A-segment hatchback goes on sale around the world later this year.

Making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, new Picanto has been redesigned and re-engineered with stand-out styling that conveys a sense of solidity and maturity. Longer than the previous model, and with an extended wheelbase, new Picanto promises more passenger comfort and 27% increased cargo space. Offered for the first time with a choice of five-door and three-door bodystyles, it is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the global 'city car' A-segment.

Buyers of new Picanto will be presented with a choice of four all-new super-efficient powertrains – three versions of the 1-liter, three-cylinder Kappa engine (gasoline, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline Kappa power unit – depending on individual markets.

Power outputs will range from 69 to 85 ps, with maximum torque between 94 and 121 Nm. Exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that regular models in the new Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 95 to 105 g/km. The bi-fuel 1-liter engine will generate 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque. Fuel economy will range from 4.2 to 5.9 liters per 100 km, contributing to lower running costs.

In Europe, all models will be available with Kia's fuel-stretching ISG technologies, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100 g/km – so that every model qualifies for local emissions-based tax savings, where available – and improving fuel economy to a range of 4.1 to 5.6 liters per 100 km.

The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on market.

New Picanto is destined to be a highly competitive newcomer in the A-segment. As well as offering new levels of powertrain efficiency, it boasts a distinctive exterior, sophisticated interior, and numerous 'large car' advanced comfort and safety features like LED daytime running lights, button-start with smart key, grip-type outside door handles and six or seven airbags, depending on region. The new Picanto will also maintain Kia's reputation for delivering great value.

The next generation Picanto will make its global premiere on the Kia Stand (Number 6441, in Hall 6) on March 1, the opening press day of the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.

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