Kia Picanto 2015 facelift leaked online
Korean media reveals Kia's updated city car ahead of Geneva debut and spring 2015 release, new 1.0-litre turbo petrol likely
Kia's refreshed Picanto has landed earlier than expected, thanks to a leak online by Korean media. Images showing both interior and exterior updates across the range have slipped out early.
The revised Kia Picanto is predicted to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with a UK release soon after. The biggest news is the likely inclusion of a three-cylinder turbo petrol engine.
The Korean outfit's city car has been on sale since 2011, so in order to keep it competitive with newer rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Renault Twingo the firm has given it a mid-life nip-and-tuck. Exterior changes appear subtle, with revised bumpers and fog light units, a funkier front grille with Kia's 'Tiger Nose' design and new alloy wheels.
In the cabin there looks to be upgraded materials, although the actual design remains unchanged from what we can see. Spec details for the UK cars have yet to be released but we can expect to see kit levels rise and possibly updated infotainment systems and a DAB radio similar to what we've just seen revealed in the facelifted Rio and Venga.
The reported news for the Korean specification of the Rio states that the original naturally-aspirated 1.0 and 1.2-litre powerplants will be complemented by a new turbocharged 1.0-litre. The three-cylinder unit will probably be based on the current 67bhp version, with the addition of the turbo bumping power up to around 100bhp. The new engine is very likely to make it to the UK judging by current trends.
A Kia spokesperson confirmed to us that the facelifted Picanto will appear on our shores in the second quarter of 2015. Details on fuel economy, prices and specs will be announced before the car's release.
