Kia reveals refreshed Picanto hatchback

Kia has just revealed the updated version of its Picanto mini hatchback in its home market of South Korea. Called the Morning there, it gets cosmetic upgrades and various tech and safety upgrades.

New for this facelift is a more modern front fascia. It gets an updated version of the company’s signature Tiger-Nose grille design. It also gets an updated headlight cluster with a new LED daytime running light design. The front bumper is also new giving it an overall sportier appearance. The rear also gets some updates such as a new enhanced LED cluster design and new bumper with faux exhaust pipes. On the side it gets new wheel options and side skirts depending on the variant.

The new Picanto also gets some updates on the inside. There is a new color multi-information display screen and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connectivity choices include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-spec variants get leatherette materials around, ventilated seats, and a power sunroof.

New safety features have also been added. Features such as rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning are now available, these are usually reserved for more premium cars.

Under the hood, the updated Picanto gets an upgraded version of the current 1.0-liter three cylinder engine. It now comes with Smartstream technology which should make it run more efficiently. The engine makes 78 hp and 95 Nm of torque paired to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The current engine option in the Philippines is a 1.2-liter engine with 86 hp and 122 Nm of torque.

The updated Kia Picanto or Morning is now on sale in South Korea. We might see it here in the Philippines by 2021 or depending on the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Photos from Kia Motors.