Kia reveals all-new 2017 Picanto 04 | 01 | 2017

THIS IS THE all-new Kia Picanto which will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car will go on-sale from Scottish Kia dealerships in the Spring, with prices starting around £8500.

The latest third generation of Kia’s city car is illustrated here in its racy GT Line guise. With a 15mm increase in its wheelbase, up from from 2385mm to 2400mm, the new Picanto was designed at Kia’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany.

Significantly, the new Picanto is the same length as the current model at 3595mm, but Kia states it has made better use off the dimensions, resulting in more cabin and cargo space with the aid of the increased wheelbase.

The new, sportier look is also enhanced by the wheels having been pushed out further towards the car’s corners for a shorter front overhang. The result doesn’t just look more sporty, but it delivers a tighter turning circle.

Though Kia has released images of the GT Line, models further down the range will naturally have a more toned down look. However, all 2017 Picanto models will have Kia's trademark Tiger Nose grille, a beefy front bumper and LED lighting tech, all aimed at making it standout from its sister Hyundai i10 car.

Inside the cabin, Kia claims to have added a range of high-tech comfort, convenience and safety features. There’s a large central touchscreen with Kia employing a ‘floating’ design that protrudes from the top of the dash.

Kia has yet to confirm powertrains, but expect the same 65bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 85bhp 1.25-litre four-cylinder engines found in the latest i10. Low emissions and strong fuel economy will give the newcomer a fighting chance in the hard-fought city car class. UK spec and pricing will be confirmed at launch.

Related: SUV deals at Scots Kia dealerships

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Jim McGill