Following the release of the first official pictures and a 'skeleton' information pack on its all-new Picanto earlier this month, Kia has spilled the beans on its engine line-up and has released a picture of its interior.
Kia South Africa has also confirmed that the new baby will reach local showrooms around the middle of the year and although the company cannot yet announce the local engine line-up, the spokesperson revealed that they are looking at both the new 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engines.
The 1.0-litre engine produces 51kW and 94Nm while the 1.2-litre is good for 63kW and 121Nm - Kia SA will surely capitalize on the latter engine to allow it to properly rival the new Chevrolet Spark.
The new engines promise greatly reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy, with the 1-litre version even set to be available in flex fuel and bi-fuel guises in certain European markets. However, even the standard petrol engines are impressively clean, with CO2 emissions ranging between 95g/km and 105g/km.
The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the model.
Set to make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Picanto is longer than the previous model, and boasts an extended wheelbase. Designers also addressed the current Picanto's excuse for a boot but increasing boot space by 27%.
The new Picanto's cabin offers more space for occupants too, and also promises to be a lot more sophisticated than the current model's, with available features including button-start with smart key and six or seven airbags, depending on model.
In certain markets, the Picanto will also be offered with a three-door bodystyle for the first time, in addition to the familiar five-door hatchback format.