Kia Australia has started advertising its support for the 2019 Australian Open in the form of three new AO Edition models based on the Picanto light car, Sportage medium SUV and Sorento large SUV.
Focusing on extra standard equipment over the models on which they’re based, Kia’s new AO Editions follow on from those launched in January 2018. The Picanto AO Edition has also picked up the overseas X-Line styling package, and looks tougher as a result. The Sportage and Sorento AO Editions also pick up new 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting.
“Since we first introduced Picanto into what we were warned was a dead segment, this little star has captured the imagination in a way which is nothing short of amazing,” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith said.
“It has not only revived the segment but regenerated interest every time a new model or derivative has been introduced. The X-Line is continuing that trend.”
Priced from $16,990 drive away, the Picanto AO Edition is based on the international X-Line specification, which means that among other equipment upgrades, a 15mm ride height lift, front and rear skidplates, 16-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tailights and LED front indicators, front foglamps, ‘premium’ trim on the seats, steering wheel and gearknob, electric-folding mirrors and red interior trimmings are standard equipment.
This is on top of the standard Picanto S, which offers autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, automatic headlights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, rear parking sensors and air conditioning as standard. All Australian Picanto models are powered by a 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 65kW and 122Nm. Unlike the Picanto GT-Line, the AO Edition is available with a 5-speed manual ($16,990 drive away) or a 4-speed automatic ($17,990 drive away).
Kia Australia is also offering AO Editions of its popular Sportage medium and Sorento large SUVs. Based on the entry level Si grade of both, the AO Editions add equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps and extra LED lighting – daytime running lamps in the case of the Sportage, and front foglamps on the Sorento.
The Sportage AO Edition is powered by either a 114kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic ($30,990 drive away) or a much gruntier 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic ($36,390 drive away). The Sorento AO Edition can be had with a 206kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 engine with front-wheel drive, or a 147kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel with all-wheel drive, both with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2019 Kia Australian Open Edition pricing (drive away):
Picanto 1.25-litre 5-speed manual: $16,990
Picanto 1.25-litre 4-speed automatic: $17,990
Sportage 2.0-litre petrol front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic: $30,990
Sportage 2.0-litre diesel all-wheel drive 8-speed automatic: $36,390
Sorento 3.5-litre V6 petrol front-wheel drive 8-speed automatic: $43,990
Sorento 2.2-litre diesel all-wheel drive 8-speed automatic: $46,490
Metallic paint: $520 ($595 for the Sorento)
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for the latest Kia news and reviews. Read our review of the 2018 Sorento GT-Line V6 here.
