Kia Picanto ready to roll

Kia is tempted to introduce its all-new Picanto model to Australia, which has been increasingly flirting with baby cars.

The Picanto, which manages to look strong and dynamic despite being pint-sized, was revealed this week at Geneva’s motor show, which runs until March 13.

The new model’s assertive design features include muscular wheel arches, a lower and wider stance and an aggressive frontal appearance.

The car will be available in three or five-door hatch forms, with pricing likely to start around $13,000 if Kia decides to import it.

The micro hatch segment has only just started to take off in Australia via entrants such as the Holden Barina Spark, Suzuki Alto and Nissan Micra.

The Chinese mini hatches have started coming, too, beginning with Chery J1, which is selling for $11,990 drive away.

Many other car makers have tiny hatches available for import and are watching the market.

Shaped by Kia’s ex-Audi design wizard Peter Schreyer, the Picanto has a sporty look but also has more of an upmarket, mature feel than rivals.

This suggests it could be attractive to older downsizing buyers, who tend to be less sensitive to price than buyers of the more youth-focused Spark, for example.

To appeal to better-heeled buyers, Kia is making available a range of premium features that are rare in this vehicle class.

One is the very handy smart-key entry system, which allows someone laden with shopping bags to unlock and open the car while the key is still in their pocket.

Offered too is the full suite of connections for the audio and phone systems, including Bluetooth, AUX, iPod and USB.

Pampering options will be heated front seats and steering wheel.

Other features introduced to the line-up include UV-reducing windscreen glass, automatically controlled air-conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, retractable cup holders with mood lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors and a gear shift indicator that encourages an economical driving style.

Safety highlights are seven airbags, including one that protects the driver’s legs, stability control and anti-whiplash head restraints.

When the driver brakes suddenly, the brake lights flash three times to alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly.

If Kia Australia brings in the Picanto, the most likely engine would be a 63kW 1.2-litre four-cylinder, which uses just 4.4L/100km.

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