India-bound 2017 Kia Picanto revealed

Hyundai's sister brand, Kia, reveals the third-gen Picanto hatchack in official sketches. It is based around the same platform as the Grand i10. 

Kia Motors has revealed the official sketches of the all-new Picanto hatchback. Set to go on sale starting mid-2017 in global markets, the new Picanto is the third-generation model of the small car. Updates on the new Picanto include revised styling and new interior while it’ll also get more features and equipment.

If you don’t already know, the Kia Picanto is based around the same platform as the Hyundai i10 (Grand i10 in India). However, in comparison to the Hyundai’s restrained looks, the Picanto can be called a snazzier and funkier version of the i10. As can be established from the sketches, the new Picanto sports a gaping front grille, a wide front bumper and swept-back headlamps with LED treatment. A red stripe runs through the entire lower-half of the bodywork, giving the design a bit of a sporty theme. Around the back, the C-shaped LED tail-lamps and that beefy rear bumper add a touch of aggression for sure.

There’s also an interior sketch that reveals the new design and cabin layout - which is inspired by the new Kia Rio. Highlights on the inside include a digital display that sits at the top of the dashboard, big vertical air-vents and a good dose of brushed aluminium finish on the steering wheel, dashboard, doors, etc.  In addition to that, Kia says that there’ll be a lot of “personalization” options available at the time of the purchase.

On the mechanical front, the Kia Picanto is expected to retain the 65bhp 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol and 85bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine found in the Euro-spec i10. A five speed manual gearbox will be standard while an automatic gearbox will also be offered.

Kia will showcase the new Picanto in full metal at the 2017 Geneva Motor show, post which it will go on sale in European markets. As for India, Kia is all set to enter the Indian market, although it is currently in the process of identifying a location for local production. The Korean brand is expected to launch its products in India in the next two years. And, whenever that happens, the Kia Picanto will be one of its important products for our market.