Kia Picanto

has published some engine details and new photos of its replacement 2011 Picanto, which goes on sale in late spring.

The new Picanto will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show on 1 March. It's a bigger model than the outgoing city car - the longer wheelbase liberating a quarter more boot space to answer criticisms of a cramped luggage bay.
So what's the new news on the Picanto? I thought they'd already unveiled it!

Yes, such is the drip-feed machine, Kia has chosen to issue teaser sketches, sculptures, first official pictures and - now! - finally some engineering detail on the new Picanto.

A pair of new engines will be offered: the 68bhp/69lb ft 1.0-litre three-cylinder Kappa petrol engine (other markets may take bi-fuel versions) and an 84bhp/89lb ft 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa unit.

Kia claims each is significantly cleaner than before: CO2 ratings stretch from 95-105g/km. Stop-start will be available in the UK, nudging those carbon figures down as low as 90g/km. Buyers can pick a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto 'box.

Makes you realise that many conventionally fuelled superminis and city cars now dodge under the tax-crucial 100g/km limit. In the UK, that spells free road tax - making us wonder how long it will be before the Government moves the goalposts again.
When can we buy the new Picanto?

Five-door Picantos arrive in spring 2011, while the three-door lands in autumn 2011.

The new interior photo issued today reveals a slicker design for Kia's city car. The silver graphic sweeps across the dash, and there appears to be less shrapnel from a low-rent plastic factory than in today's Picanto. A good thing.

Source from carmagazine