Kia Picanto: Opening and closing / Tailgate

Opening the tailgate

• The tailgate locks and unlocks together with all doors when you use the transmitter, smart key or central door lock switch.

• Once the tailgate is unlocked, press its handle and lift it upwards to access the luggage compartment.

• With all doors locked, press and hold the tailgate unlock button on the smart key for more than one second to unlock the tailgate. After it has been opened and then closed, the tailgate locks again automatically.

The tailgate has no external keyhole. Use the locking controls described above to unlock it before operating the handle.

NOTE

In cold, wet weather, freezing conditions can interfere with the locks and opening mechanisms. The tailgate mechanism may therefore fail to operate normally when affected by ice.

WARNING

The Kia Picanto tailgate swings upwards as it opens. Before lifting it, check that people and objects are clear of the rear of the vehicle and the tailgate’s opening path.

CAUTION

Close the tailgate securely before driving. Travelling with it open can damage the tailgate gas lifters and the hardware attached to the tailgate.

Closing the tailgate

To close the tailgate, lower it and press down firmly until the latch engages. Check that it is securely latched before driving your Kia Picanto; lowering the tailgate into position alone does not confirm that it is properly closed.

WARNING

Before closing the tailgate, make sure your hands, feet and all other parts of your body are clear of its path. Check that anyone standing nearby is also safely away from the closing edge.

CAUTION

Keep the tailgate latch and striker area clear when closing the tailgate. An object caught between these components can interfere with closure and damage the latch.

WARNING

Exhaust fumes

Driving with the tailgate open can draw dangerous exhaust fumes into the passenger compartment. Exposure to these fumes can cause serious injury or death to occupants, so the tailgate should remain securely closed while driving.

If driving with the tailgate open is unavoidable, keep the air vents and all windows open to increase the flow of outside air into the vehicle. This precaution does not make travelling with an open tailgate safe.

WARNING

Rear cargo area

Never allow passengers to ride in the rear cargo area, where no occupant restraints are provided. Everyone travelling in the vehicle must use a proper seating position and be correctly restrained to reduce the risk of injury during a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING

No one should occupy the luggage compartment at any time. This area is intended for cargo and is an especially dangerous place for a person to be during a crash.