2020 Kia Picanto range detailed

Kia Australia has confirmed details for its updated compact Picanto range, which is set to go on sale by the end of the year.

Revealed last month in Korea, the updates include more gear and a sportier look for higher grade variants, as well as a new-generation three-cylinder turbo engine for the flagship GT.

The current Kia Picanto range is priced from $14,390 plus on-road costs for the Picanto S and tops out at $18,190 (plus ORCs) for GT variants, however it’s likely a minor price increase will accompany the updates.

When it arrives, the base-spec Picanto S will come with upgraded MFR Halogen headlights, while GT-Line and GT variants get Projection Halogen headlights, along with a redesigned fog light layout.

Meanwhile, GT-Line and GTs will ride on new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the front end gets a new ‘tiger-nose’ grille and a restyled, lower air intake. At the rear end, Kia says both variants now get dual exhaust tips and a wider, more ‘aggressive posture’.

Every Picanto variant will come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with dual Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone connectivity, as well as a 4.2-inch colour instrument cluster.

As for power, top-spec Picanto GT variants use the car maker’s new-generation 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, paired exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission and good for 74kW of power and 172Nm of torque.

Lesser variants continue to be powered by a 62kW/122Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Picanto carries over Kia’s seven-year warranty with fixed price servicing and roadside assist. Local pricing will be announced closer to the updated model’s arrival.