First official pictures of the 2016 Kia Picanto hatchback surface - Report

Biggest change is the inclusion of a 106 hp turbo engine

Several brochure scans of the upcoming 2016 Kia Picanto, spotted on test last year, have been leaked online, revealing the changes in store for the mini hatchback. The model is based on the Hyundai i10.

The images show the hatch sporting minimal design changes that include a redesigned bumper and fog lights, revised front grille and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the cabin appears to be identical to the current model.

The biggest change for the 2016 Picanto can be seen under the hood, where it now comes with a new 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol motor, that was showcased at the Paris Motor Show 2014. Based on the 69 hp 1.0-liter Kappa unit found in the Hyundai i10, the turbo unit now produces 106 hp in the facelifted Picanto. Thanks to the little engine, the hatch will return an improved average fuel consumption of 14.06 kmpl.

Also read: Kia KX3 (Hyundai ix25’s cousin) launch details emerge – Report

Kia is expected to reveal the 2016 Picanto at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, and could go on sale immediately after. However expect sales in its home market of Korea to begin sooner.

[Source: The Korean Car Blog]