Overview
It was announced in December 2022 that the third-generation Kia Picanto will get a second to revamp in 2023. The tightly disguised Kia Picanto facelift 2.0 test vehicle has finally been captured for the first time. The current model was introduced in 2017 and had its first redesign in 2020.
KIA Picanto Inspired with EV9
According to the report, the new Picanto will be motivated by the EV9 electric SUV. Despite the fact that the test vehicles are well-covered, photos revealed on South Korean motor vehicle platforms suggest that the Picanto will receive a front similar to the EV9.
Kia other models, including the fourth-generation Sorento and Carnival MPV, will receive the same EV9 facelift seen in spy photos of these cars.
KIA Picanto New Design
In addition to the new machined alloy wheels, the side profile stays mostly unchanged. The rear bumper rework, and the taillights have a new LED light signature. Interior photographs aren’t yet available, but alterations are likely to be minor, with the addition of a new multimedia system.
The Picanto will very certainly keep its present powertrain lineup. Depending on the region, the third-generation Picanto is available with 1.0L and 1.2L. Normally aspirate and turbocharge engines mate to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
KIA Picanto in South Korea
The Picanto, known as the Morning in South Korea, is an essential product for Kia because it is the only compact vehicle in the South Korean automaker’s inventory.
However, as electric vehicles become more popular, compact cars with internal combustion engines are no longer a major focus for most automakers. According to experts and industry observers, releasing an all-electric version for mass-produced tiny cars is impossible due to sharp profit margins.
Picanto is Kia’s most affordable model, although sales have been disappointing in recent years. Based on the Kia model life cycles, a replacement by an all-new vehicle was scheduled for 2023. However, Kia is prioritizing another redesign for the time being, as city car sales worldwide drop and tough 2025 emissions standards in Picanto’s primary market, Europe, threaten the future of inexpensive, petrol-powered compact vehicles.
KIA Picanto Sales Record in South Korea
In its native market of South Korea, production of the Kia Picanto totals around 120,000 automobiles. In the first ten months of 2022, down from 165,000 and 177,000 in the same periods in 2019 and 2017, respectively. Kia believes that the EV9-inspiration. The makeover would help increase sales of the aging third-generation Picanto before it replaces by a new model. The facelift 2.0 schedule to arrive in major countries in the second mid of 2023.
