FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Kia lobs Picanto X-Line

Kia has released pictures of a version of its Picanto micro-car that's draws inspiration from some of the Korean car-maker's range of SUVs.

Set to be launched at the Frankfurt motor show on September 12, the Picanto X-Line has already been confirmed for a launch in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year.

Mimicking cars like the Kia Sportage, the little Picanto X-Line comes with 15mm of extra ground clearance over the standard car.

Featuring some extra plastic cladding, rub strips and extended wheel-arches, the small hatch also comes with front and rear bash-plates but Kia hasn't confirmed whether or not the aesthetic extras have any real function.

Nor has the car-maker confirmed that the X-Line brings any extra underbody armour for rough-road protection.

All-wheel drive is not an option but, for the first time, the Picanto gets the firm's downsized three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol.

Under the bonnet of the Picanto X-Line, it produces 74kW/172Nm, making the X-Line not only the most powerful Picanto ever, but the quickest.

Against the clock the little faux off-roader is capable of hitting 100km/h in 10.1 seconds, while still being able to average a very respectable 4.5L/100km.

The same 1.0-litre turbo will soon reappear under the bonnet of the sporty Picanto GT Line.

Inside, the range-topping Picanto X-Line, the jacked-up supermini gets a 7.0-inch infotainment system and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel.

European pricing has yet to be announced for the SUV-inspired small hatch and is likely to be the biggest barrier preventing both the Picanto X-Line and sporty GT Line from being sold Down Under.

In fact, Kia Australia told motoring.com.au this morning that it's "highly unlikely" to be sold here, where the Picanto opens the Kia line-up at $14,190 plus on-road costs.