2017 Kia Picanto exposed ahead of Geneva

Kia has suggested a utter view of its all-new Picanto compact hatchback ahead of its very first public outing at the Geneva motor display in March.

The very first pictures of the production car go after a handful of teaser renderings that were released last month, but the more aggressive styling and up-to-the-minute interior styling have carried over from the sketches to the showroom model that will roll out in Switzerland.

The version shown in the latest pics is dressed up in the sportiest GT-Line equipment and its front end carries a Kia family resemblance with more angular LED-equipped lamps and a sporty bod kit with vents, in place of the more cuddly bulbous lights and smiling lower grille.

Alloy wheels, air intakes and side skirts with crimson highlights suggest a more driving focused Picanto while the more compact and raised grille hints at the look of the recently introduced Optima sedan.

At the back end the switches are less dramatic with a similar look to the outgoing Picanto, albeit a fresh black diffuser finish with twin harass is a notable update.

The Picanto has a 15mm longer wheelbase compared with the current model.

On the inwards, the Picanto’s interior has been given a accomplish makeover with all fresh trims, materials and design, but exact Australian specification is yet to be finalised. Either way, it is expected that a single variant will be suggested Down Under, as is the current version.

The interior switches are headlined by a fresh youthful audience-targeting central touchscreen which shows up to suggest access to a number of services including navigation, while the surrounding hardware has been modernised with a symmetrical look and digital control panel.

Leather (or perhaps synthetic hide) adorns much of the furnishings including seats, steering wheel, door arm rests and gear gaiter accomplish with crimson flashes or stitching.

Dimensionally speaking, the Picanto has a 15mm longer wheelbase compared with the current model, which has enlargened interior space and imparted a more stable appearance without enhancing overall length.

Overseas markets will be suggested a broader range of customisation options for more personalisation options, but they are expected to be more limited in Australia.

As previously reported, Kia Motors Australia media and corporate communications manager Kevin Hepworth has already confirmed that the fresh Picanto will be suggested locally as soon as it is available and will “be a much more technologically advanced vehicle with a lot more kit in it and a lot more design.”

The South Korean car-maker is pleased with the company’s smallest model Down Under and Mr Hepworth explained that introducing the current model so close to a successor was a “toe in the water” to establish Australian request.

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