2011 Kia Picanto images, potentially coming to Australia

Kia Australia maintains there are “no immediate plans” to introduce the all-new Picanto to its local showrooms, but it is far from closing the door on the idea.

With the new larger and better-equipped Kia Rio expected to arrive in the third quarter of this year, Kia Australia will be desperate to replace it with an entry-level vehicle to take on the likes of the Holden Barina Spark, Suzuki Alto and Nissan Micra in the rapidly expanding sub-light category.

The previous generation Picanto – known for its timid, self-conscious appearance – was never sold in Australia.

The images of the new vehicle reveal a much bolder and more self-assured small car.

Kia says it has been completely re-engineered and redesigned, and sports a longer wheelbase and overall length.

The new Picanto will be offered around the world as a five-door hatch (like the current model), and European markets will also receive a sportier three-door variant.

Kia is promising four all-new powertrains for the Picanto, including 1.0- and 1.2-litre petrol engines with “class leading CO₂ emission levels”. LPG bi-fuel and flex fuel variants will also be available depending on the market.

Kia will reveal more specifications of the all-new 2011 Kia Picanto at Geneva in around two month’s time.