KIA’S city slicker the Picanto has a new suit of clothes – and this bolder, more distinguished model looks sure to prove a hit with supermini fans.
The Korean manufacturer has just released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto and it’s clear this is a car that crackles with self confidence.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new Kia has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to underpin its position as one of the most competitive models of its type.
Kia’s design chief Peter Schreyer said: “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”
While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the next generation version will be offered as a five-door worldwide but a sportier three-door body style will also be available in the UK.
Four new 1.0 and 1.2-litre engines will feature, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels and in addition to the standard petrol units there will also be LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations.
The exact timing of the car’s UK arrival has yet to be decided but the official unveiling will be at the Geneva Motor Show in March.