The 2020 Kia Picanto features a refreshed design, new comfort and convenience features, new safety equipment and an enhanced engine. The facelifted city car sports new front and rear bumpers, revised tiger-nose grille, reshaped lower grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels and tweaked headlamps and tail lamps. All in all, the new model is more expressive and has a more stylish exterior. There’s a new Honeybee colour option as well, seen in the picture above.

The interior design of the new Kia Picanto is the same. However, unlike the old model, the new model features a 4.2-inch colour MID and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system in a cleaner design.

The new infotainment system allows connecting to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and features cloud-based voice recognition using Kakao’s AI platform, wireless navigation data updates and various connected car services like remote vehicle start, remote door locking/unlocking, remote AC control, etc. That's not all, this system even packs Car to Home, which can control home internet of things (IoT) devices such as lights, plugs, AC, boilers and gas circuit breakers. So, for customers owning smart home devices, the new model has even more convenience to offer.

Kia has added many advanced safety features to the Picanto with its mid-cycle refresh, including BCA (Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist), RCCA (Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist) RCCA, LKA (Lane Keeping Assist), FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist) and DAW (Driver Attention Warning).

Moving to the mechanical changes, the Kia Picanto facelift has an improved 1.0-litre MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine returns a fuel economy of up to 15.7 km/l instead of up to 15.4 km/l. Its maximum power and maximum torque, just like those of the old model, are 76 PS and 9.7 kgf.m (95.12 Nm) respectively.

The old 1.0-litre MPI engine in the old model was available with a 5-speed automatic transmission as well, with which it returned a fuel economy of up to 16.0 km/l. In the old model, there was a 1.0-litre LPi LPG engine as well, with maximum power and maximum torque of 74 PS and 9.6 kgf.m (94.14 Nm) respectively. It was available with only a 4-speed automatic transmission. In other markets, Kia offers the old Picanto with a 1.25-litre MPi N/A petrol engine and a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine as well. We'll have to wait until the company announces the new model for its overseas markets to know if they're being carried over.

Also See: Next-gen 2021 Kia Carnival grille, bumpers and interior leaked

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Mk3 Kia Picanto was introduced in January 2017 and it’s about time it received a cosmetic refresh to get through the rest of its lifecycle. The facelifted Kia Picanto features tweaked headlamps reminiscent of bigger Kia models like the Kia XCeed, new grille inserts, sportier front bumper and new front fog lamps. It looks like Kia has redesigned the Picanto’s front fascia to look edgier.

The rear end of the new Kia Picanto has relatively fewer changes. The leaked image shows a sportier bumper with C-shaped outer ends, tweaked tail lamps, new light reflectors and new exhaust outlet. The interior and specifications of the new model are a mystery at the moment. However, it is said that unlike the old hatchback, the new hatchback features Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) advanced driver assistance system.

Kia offers the current Picanto with 67 PS 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 76 PS 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 74 PS 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol-LPG, 84 PS 1.25-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 100 PS 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine options. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

Kia may offer the new Picanto with the same engines and transmissions as the old model. The company wants to launch a Picanto electric also, in Europe, but that’s unlikely to happen in the current generation. In India, the South Korean automaker is focusing only on SUVs and MPVs at the moment and does not plan to launch the Picanto.

Also See: Next-gen 2021 Kia Carnival grille, bumpers and interior leaked

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source: bobaedream.co.kr]

The city government will have an 80% stake in this plant, and the company will have the remaining ownership. The South Korean automaker’s success from this venture will depend heavily on the sales of the new model. The Gwangju plant will require an investment of KRW 500 billion (USD 468,775,000.00 or nearly US$0.5 billion) or more. It will open in 2020-2021 and have an annual production capacity of 1,00,000 units.

HMG is likely to commission an SUV for production at the Gwangju plant because of the growing demand for the body type. It is considering two platforms for this model. The first option is the Kia Picanto’s platform. The second option is the Hyundai i20 (Active)’s platform. A 1.0-litre engine will power the new SUV. The company is considering 'Leonis' name for the new SUV.

Also See: Hyundai AH2 (new Hyundai Santro) caught testing on video

HMG is expanding its SUV range globally. For the developed markets, it launched the Hyundai Kona and Kia Stonic last year. This year, the Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced. In 2019, Hyundai will launch a sub 4 m compact SUV in India based on the Hyundai Carlino/Hyundai HND-14 concept that was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo. Next year, sister company Kia will launch the SP Concept-based SUV in India as their first model in the country. In 2020, a sub-4 metre Kia SUV will follow.

[Source: Joongang Daily]

The third-gen Kia Picanto is 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide and 1,485 mm tall. It has a 2,400 mm wheelbase and a 141 mm ground clearance. There are three engine options available internationally. The entry-level option is the 1.0-litre MPI naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine producing 67 PS and 96 Nm of torque. Then there’s the 1.25-litre MPI naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine good for 84 PS and 122 Nm of torque.

The range-topping option is the 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearboxes.

In Malaysia, Kia is expected to offer the all-new Kia Picanto with the 1.2-litre MPI engine coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Main features will include projector headlights with LED DRLs, chrome door handles, LED rear combination lamps, keyless entry, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rearview camera, ESC, HSC and six airbags.

Also Read: 2018 Kia Cee’d spied completely undisguised

Kia is yet to disclose prices of the 2018 Kia Picanto in Malaysia. Potential customers can now register their interest online.

The 2017 Kia Picanto on display in Dubai was in the GT-Line grade. The Picanto GT-Line has a sportier styling than the rest of the Picanto range, inspired by the looks of much bigger sporty Kia models, such as the Optima GT.

At the front, the 2017 Kia Picanto GT-Line features red highlights in the tiger-nose grille and side intakes and tweaked lower grille and bumper. On the sides, it has underbody skirts with red highlight and 15-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the GT-Line grade stands out with a tweaked bumper, faux diffuser with red highlight, differently designed fog lamp and reverse lamp and chrome-tipped twin exhausts. Inside, the Picanto GT-Line seen in the images has white stitching on the steering wheel cover and dual-tone (black/white) seat covers.

The 2017 Kia Picanto is 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide and 1,495 mm tall. It has a 2,400 mm wheelbase and a 151 mm ground clearance. The 1.2-litre MPI petrol engine producing 84 PS and 12.4 kg.m (121.60 Nm) of torque is standard. A 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels.

The 2017 Kia Picanto's prices in the UAE start at AED 38,900 (INR 6,86,522.01). The city car competes with the likes of Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Figo in the country.

The Kia Picanto X-Line's look is inspired by the models from Kia's crossover and SUV range, such as the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento. The X-Line variant has a slew of rugged design elements, such as more imposing bumpers, metal-look skid plates and black cladding around the wheel arches. Kia has raised the ground clearance by 15 mm to 156 mm. The lime green highlights on the grille, fog lamp surrounds, and the rear skid plate give a sporty look. On the inside, the steering wheel, armrests and seat covers have lime green stitching.

Other highlights of the Kia X-Line are, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sporty D-cut steering wheel, rear-view parking camera and wireless smartphone charging.

Also See: Kia Rio & Kia Sportage showcased at GIIAS 2017

The Kia Picanto X-Line sports the most powerful engine in the Kia Picanto range - 1.0-litre T-GDI. The three-cylinder turbocharged petrol mill puts out 100 PS at 4,500 rpm and 172 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,000 rpm. The Picanto X-Line can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 10.1 seconds. When driving efficiently, it can deliver an excellent fuel economy of 22.22 km/l. It will go on sale in Europe in at the beginning of Q4 2017.

Kia Picanto X-Line at IAA 2017 - Image Gallery

The Kia Picanto received a complete makeover in December last year. Now in its third generation, the Picanto is one of Kia's top-selling models worldwide. The equivalent of the Hyundai i10 (Hyundai Grand i10), the Kia Picanto holds a solid potential for India where there's a big appetite for base cars.

Projector headlamps with DRL, projector fog lamps, electrically folding ORVMs, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED rear combination lamps and power sunroof are among the exterior highlights of the top-spec 2017 Kia Picanto. On the inside, the city car features heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control system and leather seats.

The 2017 Kia Picanto is 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide and 1,485 mm long. It has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm and offers a ground clearance of 141 mm. There's 255 litres of boot space available in the car.

Kia offers two engine options: Kappa 1.0 MPI and Kappa 1.2 MPI. The 1.0-litre petrol engine produces 67 PS and 9.8 kg.m (96.11 Nm) of torque. The 1.2-litre petrol engine develops 84 PS and 12.4 kg.m (121.60 Nm) of torque. A 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine delivering 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque will join the options this year. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

Also Read: Cross version of the Kia Picanto could arrive this year

Kia may use Auto Expo 2018, where it plans to showcase 3-4 products, to gauge customer response for the Picanto.

[Image Source: Autocar India]

Citing a source, the report says a new version of the Picanto with the raised suspension is in the works. It might make its global debut at the IAA 2017 in Frankfurt, which kicks off on September 12, 2017. With customer focus shifting towards crossovers and SUVs on a global scale, a Cross version will add new appeal to Kia's entry-level product.

In the second quarter of 2017 (April-June), Kia witnessed a decline in net profit due to weak demand in China and the United States. Kia hopes the upcoming Stonic and Stinger will help offset the downturn to some extent. The introduction of variants like the Picanto Cross can further help sales recover.

Kia's Picanto Cross will join enriched variants of many other A-segment hatchbacks. Sister concern Hyundai sells the Grand i10 X, but it is exclusive to the Indonesian market. It rides 15 mm higher than the standard car and features faux skid plates and body cladding giving it the crossover look. Other A-segment hatchbacks that have undergone the crossover treatment include the Volkswagen Cross Up! unveiled in Geneva in March 2013 and the Chevrolet Spark Activ sold in the US market.

In the UK, Kia offers the Picanto with a choice of 66 bhp 1.0 L MPi and 83 bhp 1.25 L MPi petrol engines. The latter gets an optional 4-speed automatic transmission besides the standard 5-speed manual. Later this year, the Kia Picanto will receive a 99 bhp 1.0 L T-GDi petrol engine.

The Kia Picanto could be one of the first few products to be launched in India once Kia starts manufacturing operations at its new facility in Andhra Pradesh in H2 2019.

[source - Just Auto]

The A segment hatchback is almost the same size as its predecessor but boasts of improved cabin space with a 15 mm longer wheelbase. The boot space has also increased from 200 litre to 255 litre and is now the segment topper.

The base variant gets a single driver side airbag, two speaker audio system, air con and power steering. The Street trim gets passenger side airbag, ABS, remote central locking, steering mounted audio controls and 14 inch wheels. The Style trim gets fog lamps, daytime running lights, rear window wiper, auto light control and four speakers.

The range topping Kia Picanto Smart gets power windows, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth & voice recognition and reverse camera. The Smart trim also gets aluminium pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel & gear knob and partial leather upholstery.

Also Read: Hyundai to produce cars from Kia’s new plant in Andhra Pradesh

Powertrain options start with the 1.0 litre three-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. The powerplant is capable of producing 49 kW (down from 51 kW) and 95 Nm of torque (up by 1 Nm). Also on offer is a 1.2 litre four cylinder mill producing 61 kW (down from 65 kW) of power and 122 Nm of torque (up by 2 Nm).

2017 Kia Picanto Price

Following its debut in Korea in January, Kia Motors has begun the global rollout of the 2017 Kia Picanto, and the flagship variant is the sporty 'GT-Line' that could bring another coveted title for the Korean brand.

The Kia Picanto GT-Line is one of the cheapest hatchbacks in the world that has a performance focus. The turbocharged engine that Kia will start offering in Q4 2017 on this variant, will, on paper, make it the cheapest performance vehicle.

The third generation Kia Picanto is the first Kia Picanto made in a sporty 'GT-Line' trim. Its styling is inspired by that of the company's high-performance GT models, such as the Kia Optima GT. The exterior gets the sporty treatment with red, silver and black highlights in the grille and intakes.

For the interior, Kia offers the entire range of colour packs in the Kia Picanto GT-Line: High Gloss Black, Brown, Blue, Red and Lime. The sporty trim also gets D-cut steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.

The turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine develops 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque and is the most powerful unit ever offered in the company's A-segment model. This engine will send power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Kia Picanto GT-Line with the T-GDi is indeed a bold move from Kia, as it is almost never that mainstream automakers offer A-segment cars in performance variants. Think of the Ford Ka+, Opel Karl, Vauxhall Viva, Peugeot 108, Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo or even the Hyundai i10 for that matter - none offer something like the Picanto T-GDi which will target the smart Brabus forfour and Renault Twingo GT.

Also See: Kia Stinger – 2017 Geneva Motor Show

The Kia Picanto's segment accounts for more than one million units a year in Western Europe, and Kia expects its latest offering to sell over 60,000 units. While the naturally aspirated engines would be the volume spinners, the GT-Line 1.0L T-GDi model will help it achieve that circa-5.1% market share by gaining a new set of customers, including those previously opting for the entry-level or mid-tier grades of the B-segment cars like the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and the Nissan Micra.

In the UK, the Kia Picanto 1.0-litre T-GDi model could have an OTR price under £15,000 (INR 12.51 lakhs).

Kia Motors will launch a small car, sedan and SUV in India when the commence sales operations in 2019, according to an executive of an OEM supplier who divulged the information to ET Auto.

Another source has stated that the SUV project is codenamed SP2, and is likely to be an SUV that will slot in the same compact SUV segment as the Hyundai Creta. Kia has a compact SUV based on the Creta's platform called the Kia KX3, which is exclusively sold in China.

The small car is likely to be the new Kia Picanto, which is based on the Grand i10, while the sedan could be the Rio sedan that made its debut at the 2017 NY Auto Show, an ideal rival of the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City. While the design and positioning will be different, Kia products will share platforms and components with Hyundai products to give the companies the economies of scale.

Also Read: Kia Stinger at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

Currently, Kia Motors is in the process of finalising a site for the plant which, sources close to the project suggest, will be located in the Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. The Korean manufacturer is investing $1.6 billion, or INR 10,300 crore on the plant in phases, making it one of the biggest foreign direct investment projects in India.

[Source: ET Auto]

As per a new report from BTVi, Hyundai India will jointly produce cars with Kia Motors at the latter's new plant in Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh, in a relationship similar to Volkswagen and Skoda in India.

This will help Hyundai Motor India Ltd to increase supply to export and domestic markets, as their sole plant in Sri Perumbadur, Tamil Nadu is running at a full capacity. Kia Motors is investing nearly INR 12,000 crore in the new production plant and is reported to utilize 50 percent of the plant's 300,000 production capacity, while Hyundai will make use of the other 50 per cent to be future-ready.

As both Kia and Hyundai products share platforms, Kia will be able to leverage the existing supplier base of Hyundai India. The AP plant is reported to commence production in 2019, while an announcement of its Indian operations could be made this year.

Also Read: Global-spec 2017 Kia Rio Sedan spied undisguised in Mexico

Although Kia hasn't divulged any info on the local product lineup, we expect the new Picanto to be in the plan. It would be easy and cost-effective for Kia to manufacture the Picanto in India, given that it shares its platform and engine lineup with the Hyundai Grand i10. Other products expected are the Kia Rio, Kia Rio sedan, Kia Soul crossover, Kia Sportage and even the Elantra-based Kia Forte.

Like Hyundai, expect Kia to also introduce heavily adapted and for-India models.

[Source: BTVi]

The 2017 Kia Picanto has made its European debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. With the latest model year update, the South Korean city car has entered its third generation.

The third generation Kia Picanto features an evolutionary design created by the company's design centres in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany. The redesigned model measures 3,595 mm in length, 1,595 mm in width and 1,485 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. The car's length is the same as in its previous generation model, but its wheelbase is 15 mm longer. New 'tiger-nose' grille, new wrap-around headlamp, subtle side skirts and chrome-tipped twin exhausts are some of the exterior highlights of the car.

On the inside, the dashboard houses a large 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, many of the controls are positioned further up for more convenience to the driver and five colour packs are available to personalise the cabin with leather upholstery and stitching in different colour schemes. The dashboard is 15 mm higher now for greater knee and leg space for front passengers. The boot space has grown by 55 litres to 255 litres. Folding the 60:40 split seats at the rear, a cargo space of 1,010 litres is available.

Kia will offer the 2017 Kia Picanto in Europe with three engines. The base engine is the 1.0-litre MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 67 PS and 96 Nm of torque. Above that, there's an option for the 1.25-litre MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 84 PS and 122 Nm of torque. Transmission choices for both these engines are 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. The range-topping option is the 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 100 PS and 172 Nm of torque and sends power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 2017 Kia Picanto will go on sale in Europe from the start of Q2 2017. Sales of the 1.0L T-GDI model will commence only in Q4 2017, though.

It has been rumoured from a long time that Kia Motors will build a plant near Andhra Pradesh, India. Citing a source familiar with the development, a new report from Reuters says that Kia Motors is close to finalising the South Indian state as the site for its first plant in the country.

The source said that Kia Motors is likely to choose a site in the Ananthapur district in Andhra Pradesh for its factory. The state had offered about 600 acres of land to the company to set up the facility, the source added.

At an event in Seoul, South Korea, Park Han-woo, CEO, Kia Motors, said that the company is in the process of picking a site for an Indian factory and is "ready to break ground on the factory anytime." The Hyundai Motor Company's affiliate will reportedly announce its Indian foray in Q1 2017. Sales of its cars are expected to commence only by 2019, though.

Also Read: Kia Stinger unveiled at NAIAS 2017

Kia Motors' positioning in India is still unknown, but looking at the international markets where both Hyundai and Kia cars are sold, Kia could position their cars as a premium alternative to equivalent Hyundai cars. As for the debut product, a highly localised model should be the first one to the hit the market, possibly a B-segment car like the recently introduced third generation Kia Picanto.

[Source: Reuters]

Last month, Kia Motors unveiled the 2017 Kia Morning for South Korea and its Euro-spec version - the 2017 Kia Picanto. The European version debuts at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next month, but weeks prior, Autoblog.gr has published live images of the car clicked at a parking facility in Portugal.

The 2017 Kia Picanto features an evolutionary design with a more aggressive styling. On the outside, the all-new Picanto features headlamps with LED lighting, new Tiger Nose grille, wider lower grille, redesigned bumpers, a more raked back glass and new design wheels. 11 exterior colour choices will be available.

Being 3,595 mm-long, the all-new Kia Picanto has not grown in length, but its wheelbase has stretched by 15 mm to 2,400 mm. On the inside, the 2017 Kia Picanto features a new three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned dashboard, instrument panel, centre console and HVAC vents. There's a new free-standing infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration compatibility.

Also See: Global-spec 2017 Kia Rio Sedan spied undisguised in Mexico

The 2017 Kia Picanto is expected with a 65 bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 85 bhp 1.25-litre four-cylinder engines from the Hyundai i10 and the 99 bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the 2017 Kia Rio.

The all-new Picanto will go on sale in Europe at the end of Q3 2017.

[Source: Autoblog.gr]

Last week, Kia digitally unwrapped the 2017 Kia Morning in South Korea, which will be the 2017 Kia Picanto for the global markets. Product details about the all-new model has been released ahead of its domestic launch which will take place on 17 January.

The 2017 Kia Picanto will be available in five trim levels: Basic Plus, Deluxe, Luxury, Prestige and Lady. The Basic Plus trim level features gray interior, speed-sensitive electric power steering, tilt steering wheel and 2-speaker sound system with aux and USB. Safety equipment includes front airbags and side curtain airbags.

The Luxury trim level comes with 14-inch alloy wheels, chrome radiator grille, chrome exterior door handles, electrically folding mirrors, black interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission knob, leather seats with heating function for the front seats, steering audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Prestige trim level adds body colour mirrors with electric adjustment and heating, body colour exterior door handles, rear window wiper and washer, power front windows, power lock, 4-speaker sound system, driver's knee airbag, rear wheel disc brake, art collection exterior with exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels. The Lady trim level gets mood lighting and large makeup mirror additionally.

Also Read: Kia Stinger unveiled at NAIAS 2017

The 2017 Kia Picanto measures 3,595 mm in length, 1,595 mm in width and 1,485 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. It's powered by the new Kappa 1.0-litre Eco-Prime petrol engine that produces 76 PS at 6,200 rpm and 9.7 kg.m (95.12 Nm) of torque at 3,750 rpm. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Prices start at 9,500,000 Won (INR 5,40,975.6).

Kia had unveiled the third generation Kia Picanto (known as the Kia Morning in some markets) earlier this week, featuring a revised exterior and an all-new interior. It will make its world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March, and its Korean launch will be held later this month.

Here's a brief pictorial comparison between the new Picanto and the outgoing model, with the information that is released by Kia Motors.

Exterior:

The new Kia Picanto features an evolutionary exterior redesign that looks more aggressive and dynamic than the outgoing model. It features bulbous headlamps (optional) with LED lighting, LED DRLs, new projector fog lamps located in the large central intake and a hood-wide ‘tiger-nose’ grille.

Although it retains the same overall length (3595 mm) of the outgoing model, Kia has increased the wheelbase by 15 mm, which should translate to more cabin space for occupants. The front and rear overhangs have been reduced, and character lines across the side profile are more defined. At the back, it features C-shaped taillamps with LED lighting, and a sportier bumper with chrome-finished exhaust pipes.

Interior:

The interior has been completely overhauled with cues borrowed from Kia's latest generation of cars. Compared to the outgoing mode, it looks more elegant and contemporary.

Also Read: Kia Sportage & Kia Soul spied on Indian roads, but are they test vehicles?

The black vertical floating dashboard is contrasted by silver trim around the new HVAC vents and dashboard itself. It houses new HVAC controls beside a red-backlit display, a freestanding touchscreen infotainment system (2-DIN audio system for lower variants), sportier 3-spoke steering wheel and new instrument dials flanking a multi-info display.

Last week, Kia Motors released the first sketches of the 2017 Kia Picanto. Now South Korean auto enthusiasts have exposed the car's interior & exterior through spy shots.

The third generation Kia Picanto, which will be the all-new Kia Morning for South Korea, incorporates the company's new design theme elements, as it can be seen with the car's new front fascia. Redesigned headlamps with more aggressive styling, updated tiger nose grille in full-width layout, inverted V-shaped, bigger air dam grille, repositioned fog lamps and KIA logo and redesigned bumper round up the changes at the front.

On the sides, changes are rather subtle. The beltline has been raised a few inches, the wheel arches seem to have been resculpted, the door panels apparently are flatter, and the quarter glass is slightly taller, all lending the Picanto a big-car perception.

The 2017 Kia Picanto features a completely redone interior. Key changes include three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned instrument panel, gearshift lever, redesigned centre console, horizontal central HVAC vents, vertical side HVAC vents and free-standing display for the infotainment system.

Also See: Kia K8 spotted completely undisguised

The 2017 Kia Picanto will come with 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.25-litre four-cylinder Kappa engines. A 5-speed manual transmission is likely to be standard, and an automatic transmission will be available optionally.