A little bit Kia Picanto is getting a pretty sleek styling update, inspired by the upcoming EV9.
The updated microcar has been confirmed to launch locally in second half of 2023.
Photo published on Korean website auto spy reveal a Picanto camouflaged but clearly with new, vertically oriented headlights. The refresh shows that a new generation of Kia’s smallest model still has a long way to go.
The tracked example also comes in with revised taillights, while funky new wheels give the Picanto even more flair.
At the other end of the scale, Kia’s Carnival and Sorento are also set to apply the same front-end styling. Telluride, not sold here, precedes these models with upright, upcoming headlights EV9 power train also through these.
The local Picanto doesn’t get the additional active safety features such as blind spot assist, lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic assist that were added to the model for the Korean market, called Morning.
It remains to be seen whether these will arrive here with this update. The Morning can also be fitted with luxury features such as heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel, which is unheard of at this end of the Australian market.
It has also not been confirmed whether the Picanto has received any powertrain updates.
It is currently offered as an S and GT-Line with a 1.25-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque, while the GT uses a three-cylinder- The turbocharged 1.0-litre cylinder produces 74kW and 172Nm.
The current Picanto was launched in Australia in 2017 and is Kia’s first entry into the microcar segment – locally at least.
In 2021, it received a mid-life update. The crossover-inspired X-Line has been dropped, a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring has been added, and the GT-Line and GT receive a host of refinements. design adjustment.
A new generation of the GT’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine has also been installed, although it doesn’t produce any more power or torque.
For 2022, the Picanto then received a new Kia logo.
-
Second generation Picanto -
Current Picanto
The first generation Picanto entered production in 2003 and was replaced in 2011. We received the second generation model at the end of its life and it was sold from 2016 to 2017.
Therefore, the third generation model could last for a few more years, now it is suitable for a second upgrade.
It has essentially no direct rival in Australia, with Mitsubishi discontinuing production illusion and Hyundai doesn’t offer its related i10.
Its closest competitor has a similar small shape but is more expensive fiat500and bigger but same price Grade 3. The Picanto opens at $18,890 to drive, just $100 less than the base MG 3.
Kia sold 5196 Picantos in Australia last year, capturing an 81% market share in the ultra-small car segment.
But MG has sold more than twice as many MG 3s (16,168 units), giving it a still impressive 38.6% share of the light vehicle market – more than the number of light cars it sells. run second, third and fourth combined.
THAN: Kia Picanto
