Currently reading: New Kia Picanto - first pics

First official sketches show Kia's all-new city car that'll make its debut at Geneva in March

These are the first official sketches of Kia's all-new Picanto, released ahead of its official debut at the Geneva motor show next March.

The new car is instantly more recognisable than its predecessor, sporting more masculine styling and the now familiar 'tiger’ face, penned by the firm's design chief Peter Schreyer, and seen most recently on the firm's striking 'Pop' Paris motor show concept.

See the first sketches of the new Kia Picanto

Although these sketches indicate concept car looks, with features including large alloys with low-profile tyres, the car that will be presented at Geneva will be production ready. Sales will start in the UK soon after, reaching showrooms around Easter.

Read more on the Kia Pop concept

The new Picanto will again share its platform with sister firm Hyundai's i10 city car. No interior sketches have been released, but a Kia insider has described it as being "good looking and funky".

Engines are expected to include an all-new three-cylinder turbodiesel.

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Will86 7 December 2010

Re: New Kia Picanto - first pics

ischiaragazzo wrote:
You are right - but with the proviso that it is still only the small cars that are interesting in my opinion. the i40 is an absolutely dreadful car. Appalling. But I have driven an i30 and I was very impressed. I think Kia are the ones to watch as they seem much more responsive to tuning their cars suspension, steering and ride wise to each market. A US Kia is a much different beast to drive than an Australian version

They are coming on leaps and bounds. When you say i30 and i40, I assume you are referring to the Hyundai counterparts? Their small cars are generally stronger than the large ones, but the Sportage is pretty good.

I had a Cee'd estate for a couple of days, 2 years ago and was very impressed. It wasn't quite as good as my Focus, but wasn't far off either, and it's a lot cheaper.

As for these Picanto pics, they look very promising, but I wouldn't waste too much time on the diesel; small capacity petrols are more important.

Locknload66 7 December 2010

Re: New Kia Picanto - first pics

That is a 200% improvement on the outgoing model....well done Kia.

I think it will sell well on its new image.

jelly7961 7 December 2010

Re: New Kia Picanto - first pics

bentleyboy wrote:

Kia and Hyundai are now becoming a force to be reckoned with - reasonable looking cars, seem to be well built, and reliable - good warranty, and well priced in the most case.

Think it would have to be worth a look if you are after this sort of car - I mean only a few years ago no one would have given Skoda a second look

You are right - but with the proviso that it is still only the small cars that are interesting in my opinion. the i40 is an absolutely dreadful car. Appalling. But I have driven an i30 and I was very impressed. I think Kia are the ones to watch as they seem much more responsive to tuning their cars suspension, steering and ride wise to each market. A US Kia is a much different beast to drive than an Australian version