GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Kia details new Picanto

Kia has released more details and images of its redesigned Picanto ahead of its world debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Due on sale in Australia by early May, little more than 12 months after its long-awaited local launch last April, the second-generation Kia micro was revealed range-topping GT Line form in January.

Final specifications are yet to be announced for Australia, where the current 1.25-litre Picanto Si is priced at just $14,990 drive-away with an automatic transmission.

Last month Kia said the new Picanto — designed by both the firm’s Namyang, Korean and Frankfurt, Germany’s design studios — measures the same 3595mm long as the old Picanto but rides on a 15mm-longer (2400mm) wheelbase.

Under the bonnet is an effectively carried-over version of our Picanto's 63kW/120Nm 1.25-litre four-cylinder MPI petrol engine, now producing 62kW/122Nm and emitting 104g/km of CO2 (down from 106g/km), but still matched with a four-speed automatic transmission.

While that's likely to remain the only Picanto powertrain available in Australia, from the fourth quarter of this year in Europe there will also be a 74kW/172Nm 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine – the Picanto's first turbo engine.

In Europe, where that engine's also expected to be offered in 88kW form with Kia's recently introduced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the cheapest Picanto will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre MPI petrol triple producing 49kW/96Nm and emitting only 89g/km with four seats.

Inside its all-new cabin, Australia's five-seat 1.25-litre Picanto should bring all of the European model's new technologies, including a new “floating” 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system featuring a reversing with dynamic guidelines and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

However, it remains to be seen whether it also comes standard with the European model's autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, wireless smartphone charger or first-in-class torque vectoring systems, or its five optional interior colour schemes, 11 vibrant exterior paints or sporty GT Line trim with flat-bottomed steering wheel.