Kia is giving Australia’s cheapest new car a makeover.
The popular brand has revealed the updated Picanto small hatchback ahead of its arrival in Australia later this year.
The new model will be eagerly anticipated by buyers on a budget, as most makers have exited the small city car market, leaving only Kia and Chinese brand MG in the sub-$20,000 price range. The current Picanto is the only vehicle in that price range with vital safety equipment.
Kia hasn’t given any indication of local pricing yet for the new model, but it is likely to increase from the current entry point of $18,990 drive-away.
The maker also announced it will drop the turbocharged Picanto GT variant from its line-up.
Instead Kia will fit either a 1.0- or 1.2-litre non-turbo petrol engine to the Picanto.
Australia is likely use the 1.2-litre engine only, which is used in the current Picanto and makes 62kW/122Nm.
Kia says the new Picanto will be available with a five-speed manual transmission or an automated manual transmission. The latter is for select markets only and Australia is likely to stick with the four-speed auto found in the current version.
The Picanto maintains its bold styling but has new headlights, grille, taillights and revised bumpers to give it a little bit more pop.
Inside the Picanto has some nifty tech including an eight-inch touchscreen and a digital driver’s display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard, as are Bluetooth and navigation.
Importantly Kia is packing the Picanto with the latest safety tech.
It’ll have automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist among others.
Seven airbags add further peace of mind.
Kia Australia will reveal local specification and prices close to the vehicle’s launch date later this year.
It’ll also be covered by Kia’s benchmark seven year/unlimited km warranty.