2017 Kia Picanto revealed

MANILA: The South Korean automaker has started the new year by introducing the updated version of its another prominent hatchback. Yes, 2017 Kia Picanto has been revealed ahead of its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. This is the third generation of Picanto which shares its styling cues with its elder sibling Rio, whose updated version was introduced last year.

The updated Picanto features a bold and aggressive front fascia and retains the signature “Tiger Nose” grille. The slimmer headlights are now accompanied with daytime running lights, leading to a much sharper appeal. The side profile is quite similar to the previous model and continues to feature upward sweeping window line. The rear profile now features C-shaped tail lights and rounded corners. The model which is revealed by the company is the GT variant which is equipped with a sportier bumper and red highlights throughout the body.

The overall length of Picanto has been kept intact while the wheelbase has been stretched by 15 mm, measuring 2400 mm.

In the cabin, the Picanto seems to follow the same theme but, Kia has worked significantly to make it sportier. One will notice the three-spoke steering wheel immediately while a dominant central infotainment touch screen mounted high on the dash with bold control buttons are other highlights of the cabin. An automatic climate control with digital display is also visible in the image released by the company but, the other features are yet to be announced by Kia.

The engine options are also not announced yet but, according to speculations, it might get one 1.0-litre turbocharged option with 99 hp power rating. The official debut of 2017 Kia Picanto will take place at the Geneva International Motor Show and in the Philippines, the updated Picanto might be launched by Q3 of 2017.