Distinctive EV9 looks for refreshed Picanto

● Kia's city car gets eye-catching lighting design and squarer shape ● Turbo engine is dropped, but manual and auto gearboxes remain

- Charlie Harvey

THE city car segment has been AE many manufacturers withdrawing their smallest models in favour of more profitable SUVS and crossovers. But Kia sees the void left as an opportunity for its Picanto, and the Korean brand has given its compact city car a second facelift to attract new buyers looking for an affordable petrol hatchback.

Auto Express was invited for an exclusive preview of the 2024 Picanto and its striking new exterior inspired by Kia's flagship EV9 SUV. This includes the front and rear-light signature plus a squarer look overall.

The new Picanto gets a full-width light bar at the front and the rear, but it's unique to GT-Line trim; lesser models have black trim. Sporty design cues on the old car, such as the eye-catching pops of red, are replaced with more upmarket black trim pieces.