Kia pulled a surprise move today and released the first official images of the redesigned Picanto (Morning in the Korean market) hatchback today. The all-new minicar is set to go on sale in its home market of South Korea later this month, ahead of its European debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Heading into its second-generation, the new Kia Picanto is a stylistically more aggressive evolution of its more mundane predecessor. The front end is definitely a tribute to the Venga MPV, but the most noteworthy element of the design is its protruding front bumper. The large air intakes that fill the bumper evoke thoughts of the Mazda2's controversial smiley face, and we don't know if that's necessarily a good association. The corporate grille could be a tad larger in our opinion, as it seems to have been dwarfed by what's going on below. The side and the rear fascia are easier on the eyes, and we especially like the unique treatment of the taillights (remember the Carens/Rondo?) as well as the protruding rear bumper design.
Spec-wise, Kia has not revealed much information for the new Picanto. The automaker did mention features like dual projection headlamps with LED positioning lights, a rarity for the subcompact segment the car plays in. As well, it will be powered by an all-new 1.0-liter Kappa engine that is expected to achieve impressive fuel economy.
Stay tuned for more information and images as they become available.
[Source: Kia]
PRESS RELEASE:
* New Picanto to be offered in two body styles with four all-new powertrains
* Production vehicle to be revealed at 2011 Geneva Motor Show
Kia Motors Corporation has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car boasting a bolder, more mature and more self confident look.
Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment.
Kia's Chief Design Officer, 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 globally but a sportier three-door body style will also be made available in the UK and European markets.
The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-litre displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to the standard petrol engines, LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations will be available depending on local market requirements.
The next generation Picanto will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday March 1 2011.
The exact timing of the car's arrival in the UK market is yet to be decided.
