Kia->ke41 has brought the new generation Picanto->ke2681 at the Geneva Motor Show. The model comes with a fresh design and will be offered in both three and five doors versions. In Europe sales will begin in late spring of 2011.

The new model has been styled by Kia’s European design team based in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. Kia describes the Picanto as "exuding self confidence, solidity and maturity, the next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould."

The new Kia will be offered in three different versions: a four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that delivers a total of 85 HP and 121 Nm of torque for the top version, and two three-cylinder, 998 cc units with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) and with 69 or 82 HP.

Hit the jump to read more about the new generation Kia Rio.

2012 Kia Picanto

Specifications
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  • Model: 2012 Kia Picanto
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The exterior and the interior

The new generation Kia Picanto will be offered in both three and five doors version and will feature a new, good looking, sexy proportions and dynamic design language. Up front the Kia Picanto will feature the same signature ‘tiger nose’ grille as the Sportage model, newly designed daylight running. The car's designed is continued by a large rear window framed by the unique rear lamp graphic and supported by a strong purposeful bumper.

On the outside, overall vehicle length has increased by 60 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 15 mm. These increases, and some clever interior packaging, have enhanced the cabin space for people (front legroom is up by 36 mm), and for luggage, with boot capacity increased by 27% to 200 liters.

For the interior Kia is offering a thick rimmed two-spoke steering wheel and the signature Kia ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster with its clear and precise graphics. New Picanto will also be available with automatically controlled air-conditioning, electronic and heated folding door mirrors with side repeaters, automatic light control with ‘escort’ and ‘welcome’ modes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, retractable dual cup holders.

The list of technologies will include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, AUX, iPod and USB connections for the RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free with voice recognition, heated front seats and Intelligent Stop and Go.

The engines

With the new generation Picanto customers will have the possibility to choose from three different engines: the top version will get a a four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that delivers a total of 85 HP and 121 Nm, while the base versions will get two three-cylinder, 998 cc units with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) and with 69 or 82 HP.

The standard transmission for all engines in new Picanto will be a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.25-liter engine.

Prices