The Kia Picanto debuting at the Geneva show is the third-generation version of the city car with the major attraction being increased interior space.
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The car retains the exterior dimensions of its predecessor but a 15mm extension to the wheelbase, combined with cutting the front overhang by 25mm and extending the rear by 10mm. This allows a complete rework of the interior, Kia claiming the 255-litre boot space as best in class.
A reworked dash design includes a ‘floating’ 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while in-car technologies and connectivity available will include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a wireless smartphone charger.
Kia expects Picanto owners to personalise their car and the new model offers 11 exterior paint colours and a range of interior colour packs for buyers to choose from.
The three-door option of its predecessor has gone but the new Kia Picanto gains a sports-pitched trim level, GT-Line. Cars in this specification will include body kits and a high equipment level, and the arrival of the GT-Line trim coincides with the launch of a new turbo petrol engine in the Picanto – with 100hp it is the most powerful unit yet sold with the car.
Other powertrain choices comprise the three cylinder 1.0-litre 67hp and four cylinder 1.2-litre units already offered in the current Picanto.
The Kia Picanto goes on UK sale in May and The Car Expert will review it next month.
Read more Kia news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
A star of the stand is the Kia Stinger fastback coupe, making its European debut after its reveal in Detroit in January.
The Stinger is expected to go on UK sale in early 2018. It will be offered with three engine choices: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit of 255hp, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 200hp and a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol with 370hp. This will complete the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1 seconds – the fastest-accelerating and most powerful car Kia has ever produced.
Meanwhile, Kia has also demonstrated its commitment to plug-in hybrid powertrains with PHEV versions of the Niro hatch and Optima large saloon both unveiled at the Geneva show.
