2012 Kia Picanto

We have already seen sketches with the 2012 Kia Picanto, but now the Korean automaker has published a pair of official photos with the new generation compact hatch which will get unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Designed by the company's European design team in Germany, the 2012 Kia Picanto will be available with four engine choices, ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.2-litres in capacity, among which a new three-cylinder turbo diesel. 

In terms of appearance the 2012 Kia Picanto looks sharper and more modern, and apart from the five-door model, a three door version is also likely to become available to customers in Europe.

Even though is hasn't been confirmed yet the 2012 Kia Picanto will probably go on sale in mid 2011, with a price tag somewhere below 7,000 Euros.

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 moreself 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 buta 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 CO₂emissions 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.

Tags: 2012, kia, picanto

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