Kia releases another Morning/Picanto facelift for 2010

Kia Motors unveiled the 2010 Morning for the South Korean market today. The best-selling subcompact car in the country gains a host of changes and upgrades outside, inside, and under the hood for the new model year. The Morning is sold as the Picanto in international markets.

On the outside, the new Morning receives a new high-gloss black rear garnish, redesigned 15-inch "Black Luxury" wheels, larger side mirrors with turn signals, and high-gloss black side sills. A new Lime color is added for 2010. The interior benefits from a new steering wheel, Stepgate-type automatic transmission, redesigned metallic gauges, available leather-wrapped steering wheel, and revised door trim. New options include rear view mirror with backup camera and folding-type remote key.

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Kia has also added a new "Special" trim for 2010 equipped with unique features such as a chrome-surround tiger-tooth front grille, redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, 15-inch Black Luxury wheels, body-color side sill molding, chrome fuel-door, black-bezel taillights, and a sportier rear bumper.

Major changes also come under the hood for 2010 with horsepower and fuel-economy improvements across the line-up. The Morning is available in two powertrain configurations: a 72 horsepower (8 horsepower increase) 1.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 67 horsepower 1.0L LPI 4-cylinder engine. All models are equipped with ECO-Assist which aids drivers in driving efficiently and achieving optimum fuel economy.

The revised Morning goes on sale today across South Korean dealerships. Gasoline-powered models are priced from 7.06 million Won to 9.77 million Won, and LPI models are priced from 8.85 million Won to 10.3 million Won. There are no reports on whether the revision will occur for international markets.

Posted in: Kia,New Car Releases