Spyshots: 2012 Kia Picanto

As the appeal car buyers seem to have developed for South Korean brands keeps growing, local carmakers are trying their best to make the most of the good times ahead. One of the carmakers feeling the full force of this appeal is Kia, who is trying its best (and, in most cases, succeeds) to fulfill the customers' expectations.

After seeing several Kia goodies being rolled out in the past year or so, it's only natural to hope for at least as many products to be revealed in the future. 2011 promises to be yet another good year for Kia, a year the carmaker plans to adorn with several models, including the reinterpreted Picanto.

Developed in Russelsheim, Germany, the new Picanto will bring with it about the same size as the model it will replace, but with a touch of “coolness,” as one of our colleagues likes to say. The car will take some design cues from the new Sportage at the interior and the Venga and the exterior.

The model will come with swept back headlights, at each side of the Kia-specific front grille. Overall, the car will give the impression of a more sportier model than the current generation and will likely be offered in both five and three door versions.

The new small hatchback will likely be powered by the engine chosen for the i10 (with which is also shares the platform), namely the 1.0l petrol unit.

We will likely get the first chance to see the Picanto without the camo on at next year's Geneva Auto Show.