Hyundai unveiled the facelifted i10 earlier today and it appears the Kia Picanto will also benefit from a freshening.
Spied undergoing testing in Europe, the facelifted Picanto is heavily disguised but will feature an updated front end. Details are hard to make out, but we can see ‘stacked’ headlights and daytime running lights that recall the pre-facelift Telluride.
We can also expect a redesigned grille as well as an updated front bumper. The latter is peeking through the camouflage and we can see a modified intake as well as what appears to be slimmer air curtains.
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The styling changes continue further back with updated wheels and a revised rear end. The latter is heavily camouflaged, but we can get a glimpse of new LED taillights that feature a pixel-like design. They should be joined by a new bumper and an updated hatch.
Spy photographers didn’t snap interior pictures, but changes could echo those found on the new i10. If that’s the case, there could be updated upholstery and a newly standard 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster. They could be joined by upgraded driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with a new cyclist detection function.
The current Picanto offers a 1.0-liter engine with outputs of 66 hp (49 kW / 66 PS) and 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) in the United Kingdom. It can be paired to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automated manual, and it seems like the latter combination will continue to be offered as the prototype sports a badge saying “1.0 5 AMT EU.”
While a number of questions remain, it’s possible the facelifted Picanto will be introduced later this year.
