Grand Motors Sdn Bhd has launched two enhanced Kia models – Sonet and Picanto – to its lineup, showcasing fresh designs, advanced features and improved performance.
The autodealer of Kia vehicles in the country hosted an exclusive Customer Weekend Event from 3 to 5 May at its showroom in Beribi, gathering existing and potential Kia owners to view the vehicles up close.
New Picanto
Picanto, Kia’s modern compact hatchback, has been enhanced with a new design, and advanced technologies. This enables Kia customers to experience a modern, purposeful ride in style and enjoy the freedom that movement brings.
The new Picanto comes with the choice between the GL and the GT Line. The sporty GT Line embodies Kia’s brand aspirations and combines a stylish exterior with advanced technology, suiting it for younger, first-car customers and working professionals alike.
Picanto is one of Kia’s best-selling models in several regions worldwide. Within this framework, the new Picanto offers a great feature set. It comes with more standard
features than ever before, and its driver assistance systems help make driving in busy cities easier and more comfortable.
The new Picanto enables younger and new customers to connect with Kia and partner with the brand on their journey through life – without compromising on quality or convenience. It is a symbol of independence and a gateway to making memories.
Design
The enhanced Picanto is inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which harnesses the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and
modernity to deliver a harmonious whole. The result creates a bold and futuristic impression with a modern and sporty design.
The new light signature, along with the enhanced Picanto’s new front bumper, signature ‘tiger nose’, fender and bonnet give the car a dramatic image. The optional LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights emphasize modernity and technology, as well as giving the new Picanto a wide, confident stance.
A simple and stable rear design highlights the vertical connectivity between the new Picanto’s redesigned rear lights and rear bumper. Its strong and wide rear light signature utilizes the volume and core of the new rear bumper and new tailgate to emphasize strength and width.
Picanto GL variant comes with 14-inch wheels as standard, while the GT Line comes with 15-inch alloy wheels. The GT Line’s presence is strengthened with a confident front end that emphasis sporty elements. The tiger nose grille has been expanded to maximise the look of high performance.
A choice of nine vibrant paint finishes enables Picanto to stand out with a bold exterior image.
Powertrains
The new Picanto comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The 1.2-litre engine is better for customers who want more power, especially for driving at high speeds or uphill. Both
options maximise efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
The naturally aspirated engines feature improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimised intake valve timing. In addition, each engine provides improved combustion chamber cooling thanks to new improvements made in this field.
Ride and handling
Picanto delivers on its trademark quick, enjoyable handling responses, aided by independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam rear axle –
without sacrificing its high ride stability. Moreover, its relatively long wheelbase contributes to a natural improvement in ride quality and stability on all types of roads.
Technology
The new Picanto has an 8.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen navigation system and a digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster. The vehicle’s 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system features Bluetooth multi-connection, meaning users can pair up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and media use, and the other for media use only.
The system features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The availability of the 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system and digital display features may vary depending on region and country.
New Sonet
The new Sonet is a testament to Kia’s focus on consumer insight-driven product innovation and orientation. It is targeted towards the young generation who are tech-savvy, aspirational and highly connected socially.
The new Sonet’s dynamics and suspension set-up have been tuned by Kia engineers to match its exuberant design and Kia’s sporty and youthful brand image, offering
high driving pleasure for enthusiasts.
Design
Kia’s award-winning design strengths have come into play to make the new Sonet every inch a Kia SUV, exemplifying the brand’s confident, young-at-heart attitude, a sporty, rebellious spirit, and a wild-by-design approach.
The outcome is a striking SUV design and irresistible road presence that will turn heads in countries around the world.
At the front, the brand’s signature design trait – the Kia ‘tiger-nose’ grille – is reinterpreted to suit the new Sonet’s personality. Flanked by LED DRLs and stylish front skid plates below, the wild nature of the new Sonet comes alive.
Interior
Inside, the new Sonet offers a sophisticated and lively cabin with a smooth, flowing dashboard to appeal to young-at-heart and always-connected consumers.
Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, the new Sonet’s interior offers a modern, dynamic and bold outlook.
Intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of legroom, head room and shoulder room for all passengers, and created a large trunk.
The stylish and clutter-free centre console offers a hi-tech feel and easy access to many of the new Sonet’s segment-busting features.
The new Sonet is trimmed in high-quality material throughout, with its dashboard displaying unique detailing.
Powertrain and performance
The new Sonet is powered by a 1.5L Smartstream Gasoline engine, in 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic transmission.
In keeping with the Kia brand’s sporty, bold and youthful brand persona, Sonet’s driving characteristics have been tuned to provide an enjoyable experience behind the wheel for driving enthusiasts.
The suspension set-up as well as feedback from the electrically assisted power steering, have been honed to offer a sporty driving experience, providing plenty of feedback to the driver.
The two-day event not only showcases the sleek and stylish Sonet and Picanto models but also offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Making the experience even more enjoyable, guests were rewarded with a voucher to claim some food and refreshments at the food trucks available at the Kia’s showroom compound.
Not only that, Grand Motors Sdn Bhd is thrilled to extend exclusive promotions for selected Kia models during the event.
Take advantage of incredible offers, including up to five months of free instalments on chosen models, making it easier than ever to drive home in your dream Kia.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
