Kia Picanto Teased, No Australian Debut Planned
Looking like a pint-sized version of Kia's Korean-market Venga light car, Kia has released a pair of illustrations that tease the next generation of its Picanto city car.
Available in certain Asian markets where light and sub-light cars hold a
Looking like a pint-sized version of Kia's Korean-market Venga light car, Kia has released a pair of illustrations that tease the next generation of its Picanto city car.
Available in certain Asian markets where light and sub-light cars hold a massive market majority, the current Picanto is built on a shortened version of the Hyundai Getz platform.
While Kia has yet to offer any technical details on the new Picanto, it's likely that it will shared the underpinnings of Hyundai's diminutive i10 city car - also a potential entrant into the Australian market.
Like the Venga however, the new Picanto, for now at least, has no future in the Australian market.
Acknowledging the slow and steady growth of the local sub-light segment, Kia Australia boss Tony Barlow conceded that we may yet see the new Picanto in Australia sometime in the future.
"While there are no immediate plans to bring Picanto to Australia we have been, and will continue, to look at opportunities in areas in which we do not currently compete," Mr Barlow, said.
"The Picanto now has the advantage of being an all-new car and if it makes sense as a business case then it is certainly not off the agenda."
A business case for both the Picanto may not be too hard to make, either. With the likes of the Suzuki Alto, Holden Barina Spark, Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo filling out the occasionally cross-pollinated sub and light-car segments, the Picanto would be well placed... if priced right.
Related Content
0
Video: ‘Top Gear Australia’ first preview and release date
