Kia launches new Picanto X-Line

Kia has launched the Picanto X-Line - a sort of small hatchback meets SUV styling - in a similar vein to the Suzuki Ignis and Vauxhall Viva Rocks.

Priced from £12,595, the X-Line gets a more 'rugged look' according to Kia. This includes a raised ride height, chunkier bumpers and 'metal-look' skid plates (in other words painted silver) at the front and back. It also has lime green bits on the grille and around the fog lights. Fancy.

Of course, it's no off-roader, with front-wheel drive, but it will be cheap to run. It's powered by the 1.25-litre petrol engine with a five-speed manual, which means an official average economy figure of 61.4mpg. A four-speed automatic is also available and costs an extra £650.

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X-Line extras include privacy glass, twin exhausts and 16-inch alloys along with LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. Inside there's lime green stitching for the flat-bottomed steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and armrests.

The interior also has a 7.0-inch touchscreen which features DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of that there's grey faux leather upholstery, a central armrest, satin chrome interior door handles and stainless-steel pedals with rubber inserts.