SPY PICS: 2015 Kia Picanto

New spy photos of the Kia Picanto have been snapped by the Automedia crew as the car retreated into an underground car park.

Judging by the placement of camouflage the altered bodywork includes the doors plus the front and rear bumpers. Riding on Polo GTI-inspired alloy wheels, the new model is also expected to get updated headlight and brake designs, along with other minor cosmetic updates.

Originally revealed in 2011 at that year's Geneva motor show, the current generation Kia Picanto is expected to remain the Korean car-maker's micro car flag-bearer until 2017, when a new model is likely. Engine types for the current model include fuel-efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. Three- and five-door body types are offered.

The car is sold in most major international markets except Australia, something that could change when this facelifted model begins production in 2015.

Kia Australia's General Manager of Media and Corporate Communications, Kevin Hepworth, previously told motoring.com.au that the Kia Picanto was "seriously back on the agenda for Australia" for 2015.

However if the Picanto gets the green light for Australia, it would be part of "quite an innovative marketing plan" by the importer that "could set a trend which is going to blow people out of the water".

Although the particulars of the audacious marketing plan are not known, Hepworth noted that selling micro cars in Australia was no easy task, with market shrinking 27.4 per cent year on year to October 2014.

Micro cars are incredibly price-sensitive and even the top-selling Mitsubishi Mirage, at just $11,490, is having a tough year, with sales down by 26.4 compared to the same period in 2013.

"The cost of that car is quite substantial in the marketplace. It's not going to be a $9999 car in anyone's language," said Hepworth of the Picanto. "It’s not a cheap car, and that’s always been its problem – to find a price to sell it competitively in Australia.

"But if you add on the planned marketing proposal it makes it a much more acceptable car."

Kia Australia's bold new plan could involve leasing or a guaranteed buy-back program to make the deal even more attractive to new car buyers and reduce the cost of ownership.

"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," concluded Hepworth.