Kia Picanto: $14,990 Drive-Away City Hatch Almost Locked-In For Australia

Kia Australia is on the verge of securing the pint-sized Picanto for local import, with CEO SH Cho currently at the automaker's South Korean headquarters to hammer out a deal.

The company's Australian subsidiary is confident Cho will succeed, and bring back the Picanto as a new entry-level model to sit below the Rio with a projected drive-away price of $14,990.

But don't expect a full range of models. With demand for auto transmissions strong even in the sub-light class, Kia will only take the Picanto in a five-door automatic configuration, with a 64kW/123Nm 1.2 litre petrol four-cylinder under the bonnet.