GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Kia Picanto revealed

Kia has unveiled its updated 2015 Kia Picanto micro car ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Geneva motor show in early March, where it will shown alongside a top-secret concept car.

Although the new 2015 Picanto is not dramatically different, it gains re-profiled front and rear bumpers, modernising the look somewhat. Inside, a new-generation 7.0-inch touch screen display will be offered for the first time, along with cruise control. The interior can also be customised with a trio of colour packs, red, yellow and brown.

The chief external styling cues – headlights, brake lights, and trademark 'tiger-nose' grille – are unchanged, with new alloy wheel designs the only other major change. An optional 'sport' pack delivers a dose of aggression to the mix.

Although Picanto has proved to be one of Kia Europe's best-selling models, Kia Australia has struggled to make a business case for the car. That could change, however, as the company seeks to reposition itself, moving away from the "cheap and cheerful" space it has held to date.

Key to the Picanto's future Down Under is Kia's ability to edge pricing of the Rio light car higher.

Kia Australia's General Manager of Media and Corporate Communications, Kevin Hepworth, told motoring.com.au the importer was still "very keen" to debut the Picanto here.

"It's not signed off yet but the timing of this facelifted model is perfect for us," said Hepworth.

"Late this year works – we'd be looking at [bringing it here] late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2015."

The Korean company has previously said the Picanto would never be a "$9999" car and could even struggle to match rivals such as the $11,490 Mitusbishi Mirage.

At October's 2014 Paris motor show Kia Australia's PR chief revealed the company was working on an unorthodox business plan to bring the facelifted Picanto to Oz, a plan that is still "top of the list" said Hepworth today.

Although details of the unconventional business model are still being kept under wraps, Hepworth said if the plan reaches fruition it would be a "game-changer".

"It'll put us at the front of part of the motoring industry in Australia. If it gets the go-ahead… lots of people will take notice, especially the people who need that sort of car," he previously said.

The tiny 3595mm long Kia Picanto is very much a city car and as such motoring.com.au believes the plan, which was hatched by Kia Australia's chief executive officer Damien Meredith, could involve a vehicle sharing scheme. It would be the first of its kind offered by a full-line importer if this turns out to be the case.