“The entry-level sector of the market used to be in light cars, and now it’s pushing down into what they’re calling the A category. We need to be there,” Barlow said according to drive.com.au.
The thing that makes the Picanto in Australia almost a sure thing is the fact that several carmakers are planning to launch rival models Down Under as well. Hyundai will bring the i10, Nissan will debut the Micra while Holden will rely on the Barina Spark, thus making the A-segment a lot more attractive for carmakers selling cars in Australia.
“I think there is a very strong emerging trend in that [city car] segment, and if we’re there we should be able to take on not only Hyundai but plenty of the competitors as well,” Barlow stated. “We expect a few more entrants there this year as well. For us it makes very good sense, because if you can get people into the car up-front, we can get people in, give them the experience of their first new car and keep them.”
The new-generation Kia Picanto will be unveiled at this year's Geneva Auto Show and will go on sale in most markets soon after that. It will be offered with a choice of four engines in Europe, all of which have underwent efficiency optimizations to better tackle the current market demands.
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