motor

2012 Kia Picanto

2012 Kia Picanto

The completely redesigned and re-engineered Kia Picanto subcompact will make its first public appearance at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and will hit European showrooms not long afterward. Seemingly on an unstoppable roll, we wonder if Kia will consider bringing its new city car to the U.S.
The styling of the diminutive hatchback is described as more mature and self-confident than before. Or as Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer put it, "In profile, the new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance."
The new Picanto will be powered by four different variations of 1.0- and 1.2-liter gas, diesel, bi-fuel and flex-fuel engines. While we don't expect huge performance numbers from these thumpers, class-leading emissions numbers are likely. The new Picanto will still be available in a five-door model, with Kia adding a three-door for the European crowd shortly.
Would this car make an impression in the Fit, Versa, 500 bracket in the U.S. market, or could this be Kia's first miss? Are U.S. buyers ready for a Kia marketed under the Rio? Let us know in the comments section.

2012 Kia Picanto