Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best city cars to buy now

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Cheapest cars to buy 2025
Cheapest cars - header image

Cheapest cars to buy 2025

Searching for a brand-new bargain? These are the cheapest cars in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
8 May 2025
Best small cars to buy 2025 - our favourite little low-cost runabouts
Best small cars - header image

Best small cars to buy 2025 - our favourite little low-cost runabouts

Small cars come in all shapes, if not sizes. Here we highlight the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
8 May 2025
Best first cars for new drivers 2025
Best first cars - header image

Best first cars for new drivers 2025

These are the best cars for first time drivers, all of which are cheap, easy to drive and safe
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Best Motability cars 2025
Best Motability cars - header image

Best Motability cars 2025

The Motability scheme is designed to get less able people moving, and we've picked out the very best cars on offer
Best cars & vans
4 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025