New Car: 2011 Kia Picanto/Morning

Following yesterday’s spy photos of the Picanto/Morning undisguised on a commercial shoot, Kia has taken the wraps of the all-new city-car by releasing official photos.

This time round, Kia is targeting a younger, more style-conscious customer. The instantly recognisable ‘tiger’ grille gives the car ocular links with other Kia models, while its erect stance, stubby nose and projector-type rearward swept headlights give a strong resemblance of the Venga sub-compact MPV, and make the city-car more mature.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

No interior photos have been release yet, but our sources claim a 3-spoke steering wheel and metallic internal finishes will give the Picanto/Morning a classy environment. Air conditioning and audio controls will be fixed on the centre console.

The new car is longer than the current model, with a longer wheelbase to offer more cabin space for occupants. The 5dr model will be sold globally, however, a sportier 3dr is likely to remain exclusively in Europe.

Powering the Picanto/Morning will be a variety of engines. On the petrol side, a 68bhp 1.1 will be offered in certain markets, while a 1.25 litre 85bhp and a 69bhp 1.0 3-cylinder will be offered internationally. The former may eventually be replaced with an 80bhp and a turbocharged 110bhp 1.0 litre. This engines will be offered in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations, depending on local market requirements.

On the diesel side, the current 1.1 litre 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in selected markets. This will be available with 75bhp and produce 151Nm (112lb-ft) of torque.

The next generation Picanto/Morning will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 1st March 2011 with European sales starting shortly after, although, no official UK sale date has been set.