GM Inside News Forum banner

New Kia Picanto comes into the light

3.9K views 23 replies 20 participants last post by  Bravada  
#1 ·
New Kia Picanto comes into the light
Autoblog
January 4, 2011
by Zach Bowman

Image

Kia has just released details on the next-generation Picanto for UK buyers. The pint-sized city car has grown a bit, gaining a bit in both the wheelbase and width departments, and buyers will find an all-new, more aggressively styled exterior, too. Traditionally, the Picanto has only been served up as a five-door hatch, though Kia says that for the first time, UK buyers will be able to take advantage of a new three-door variant as well. The rest of the model's markets will have to make do with just the five-door design.

Kia has also thrown in a smattering of new drivetrain options as well. Buyers can choose between 1.0-liter or 1.2 liter gasoline engines, though there are no power figures for either at the moment. Kia says that each engine will be available in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variants depending on market demand. The company hasn't released an on-sale date, either, but we do know that the public will be able to get up close and personal with the Picanto at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.
 
#2 ·
Looks a bit as if somebody grated the Venga front end to a Chinese car... I am impatient to see the real deal. The Picanto has been surprisingly good value in the trashy small car category in its current generation.
 
#5 ·
I love the Fiesta cues in it. Makes the real thing that much nicer. :)
 
#9 ·
Here, here!

:yup:
 
#20 ·
A few people have commented that Kia virtually copied the Civic with the Forte and now the Fiesta with the Picanto.

I find the Focus and Elantra to be largely indistinguishable as well.
 
#11 ·
Lots of Venga up front, but a bit derivative (if stylish) for the rest. I look forward to seeing more of it before making a final judgment, but kudos to Kia for putting out what seems to be a solid product.
 
#14 ·
no thanks. feel same way about the Aveo..I mean Sonic