Spied: Clear images of the Kia Picanto testing in Chennai

Yesterday our editor Shrawan very nearly fell off his car trying to snap a white Picanto testing in Chennai (case of an occupational hazard in our field). But then again, it was worth it because IndianAutosBlog.com was the first automotive website to break the news of the Picanto testing on Indian soil.

Now, thanks to our pals at AnythingOnWheels & RiotEngine, we have some clear shots of a lime green Picanto on test in Chennai. Snazzy color we must say!

But the real question is still unanswered – Why is Kia testing the Picanto in India?

• Like the Renault Modus, the Picanto may be on global test in India. However, the clear argument against it is that the Picanto was recently refreshed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show followed by a global launch. In this scenario, the testing for the successor model is still a long way from now.

• The second reason, and the more solid one, is that the Picanto will form the underpinnings of the next generation i10 which is due in 2013. In this case, Hyundai India is testing the Picanto to make suitable adjustments to it.

• The third reason, and this quite a long shot, may be that Kia is planning a full-fledged entry in the Indian automotive market. We already have a healthy VW-Skoda relationship working very well despite the product sharing. A similar relationship can be replicated between Kia-Hyundai wherein Kia will assume the role of the premium brand and Hyundai will be the mass market one.

Which of these reasons is correct? Your guess is as good as mine.

Source: AnythingOnWheels & RiotEngine