Kia simplifies latest Picanto and XCeed ranges

Choosing your next lease car is never a straightforward decision. There are so many brands to choose from, models to compare, and deals to consider, and that’s presuming you’ve already decided what kind of car you’re looking for – perhaps a hatchback, maybe an estate, or possibly an SUV. There is a little bit of relief from all the decisions on the horizon though, or at least there is if you lease yourself something from the now-simplified Kia Picanto and Kia XCeed line-ups.

Kia's most popular internal combustion models will now be offered with a simple and stress-free choice of just three generously equipped trim levels.

That should save a few headaches at lease time.

The new three-tier trim level replaces the earlier ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grade structure. In line with the EV range, as well as the new Sportage, the latest Kia Picanto and XCeed models now come in an easily understandable three-grade line-up, consisting of a ‘Pure’ entry level, a ‘GT-Line’ mid-level and a ‘GT-Line S’ range topper.

The new specifications in detail

The new entry-level ‘Pure’ merges the previous ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades, while ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ adopt the same sporty styling and a similar specification to before.

The latest Kia Picanto is now offered in ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ trim levels, and with the choice of two five-speed transmissions, manual or automatic. There are no engine options as every model is fitted with the same 67bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine regardless of trim.

You do get six paint options though, including a new Yacht Blue premium paint option on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ variants, so you can still make a few choices when it comes to personalising your new car.

XCeed features same three spec structure

The Kia XCeed also switches to the same three-tier structure as the Picanto, with ‘Pure’ merging the earlier ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades for a more generous specification.

The updated model range also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmission, in this case a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch with shift paddles on the steering wheel – except for the range-topping ‘GT-Line S’, which only gets the automatic.

The XCeed also throws a couple of engines into the mix as well.

The old 1.5-litre T-GDi engine has been replaced with a more efficient 1.0-litre mild-hybrid unit producing up to 113bhp, improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. This new engine is fitted as standard across all three of the new variants, but if you opt for the range-topping XCeed ‘GT-Line S’ you can choose the new 1.6-litre T-GDi offering a much more substantial 177bhp instead.

The streamlined Kia Picanto and Kia XCeed lineups are available to lease now, and first deliveries are expected to begin sometime in September.