Kia Launches Picanto 1.0L Under 100,000 Shekels and Cuts Prices on EV3 and Sportage Models

Kia's Israeli importer, Telcar, has introduced a new 1,000cc version of the Picanto priced at 99,990 shekels, marking the first time in years the model is offered below 100,000 shekels. This represents a 10,000 shekel reduction compared to the previous 1,200cc Picanto, which was discontinued in Europe due to stricter emission regulations. The new Picanto 1.0L delivers 68 horsepower and 9.8 kgm torque, paired with a single-clutch automated transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 17.2 seconds, reaches a top speed of 160 km/h, and achieves a combined fuel consumption of 17.2 km per liter. Two trim levels are available: the LX Plus at 99,900 shekels, featuring an 8-inch multimedia screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a spare tire; and the GT Line at 99,990 shekels, which adds 16-inch wheels, climate control, vegan leather upholstery, electric folding mirrors, a sunroof, and LED lighting. Safety features remain unchanged, and the warranty covers seven years or 150,000 km.

Since 2012, 140,000 Picanto units have been sold in Israel. Additionally, Kia's EV3 electric vehicle now offers a reduced-price version of its large battery LR model at 175,000 shekels, 12,000 shekels less than the Executive trim with the same 81.4 kWh battery. This version boasts an impressive 604 km range, the longest available under 180,000 shekels, outperforming competitors like the Toyota C-HR+ which offers 607 km but costs nearly 200,000 shekels. The EV3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h, and includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and multimedia screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, three USB-C ports, and a rare spare tire for electric cars. The new version omits the sunroof, synthetic leather seats, and electric driver seat adjustment found in the pricier model.

Kia also introduced a new Urban trim for the European Sportage, priced at 185,000 shekels, 5,000 shekels less than the EX trim and the American Urban version. This model loses the electric driver seat, ambient lighting, and leather-trimmed seats but retains a 12.3-inch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a spare tire. The powertrain remains unchanged with a 1.6L turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor producing 239 horsepower. Performance includes 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds, a top speed of 196 km/h, and a combined fuel consumption of 17.85 km per liter.