It seems to be the GT Line model, which is range-topping.
The Picanto, which is too small to be sold in North America, is Kia’s entry level car in Europe. It competes with other city runabouts like the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108, Citroen C1, Renault Twingo, as well as the new Hyundai I10. It’s not surprising that a mid-cycle facelift was planned for the third generation, which was revealed around three years ago. The revised A-segment hatchback was actually shown back in January, when it was fully camouflaged. But now the disguise is completely gone.
A reader of the Korean Car Blog saw the camo-free Kia Picanto in Germany near Frankfurt, where the tiny hatch took part in a video shoot. We are tempted to think that the GT Line car is in question, given the red accents on the grille and side skirts. This makes sense, considering that automakers always shoot the top-of-the-line version of a car for marketing.
Although the styling changes are subtle compared to the current model, Kia has made quite a few. The new headlights and fog lights have a trapezoidal form, while the corporate “Tiger Nose”, grille, has a horizontal red stripe across that is likely reserved for the GT Line. Kia also has made some changes to the front bumper, as we are noticing that the vertical air intakes have changed.
Only the alloy wheel set is visible from this angle. These two-tone rims are a new addition. There are some minor changes to the rear, where the bumper has been modified and the taillights have received new graphics. The GT Line trim will carry the dual exhaust tips.
The 2021 Picanto would have the same engines and features as the i10. It will likely be powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 83 horsepower and about 118 Newton-meters (87-pound-feet of torque). The Hyundai has a turbocharged 1.0-liter three pot with 99 horsepower and 172 Nm (127lb-ft) more power. The i10 has a five-speed manual transmission that connects both engines to the 1.0-liter three-pot.
Kia could showcase the Picanto facelift at Paris Motor Show in Oct, unless the coronavirus has an impact again on an auto show after Geneva’s cancellation and the rescheduling of the New York Auto Show for August.