Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea’s second largest automobile manufacturer, has released the first official photos of the next generation Picanto city car.

Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the new car has grown in overall length and wheelbase and is set to redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in its segment, a statement said.

“In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line,” said Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief design officer.

“The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

While the current Picanto is available only as a five-door hatchback, the next generation version will be offered as a five-door globally while a sportier three-door body style will also be marketed in Europe, according to the statement.

The new Picanto will feature four all-new powertrains in 1.0- and 1.2-liter displacements, all boasting class leading CO2 emissions levels. In addition to petrol engines, LPG bi-fuel and flex fuel variations will be available depending on market.

The next generation Picanto will be officially unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service