Kia Australia has once again raised the prospect of introducing the Kia Picanto in to Australia.
The team from Kia Australia has been lobbying the head office in Korea to get the small car downunder for sometime now and with new COO Damien Meredith on board the push has become even stronger.
Kia Australia’s Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith told CarShowroom.com.au “We are trying very hard for Picanto, I think we can make work in Australia. I don’t see any price point issues, I would love to have the Picanto in our line-up.”
Negations are under way and Kia Australia say the odds are currently at 65/35 in favour of the Picanto coming to Australia sometime in 2015.
Built in Korea and styled by Peter Schreyer and his team the Kia Picanto is one of the more stylish small cars on the market. Measuring in a 3,595mm in length and 1,595mm in width, the Picanto is 455mm shorter and 125mm narrower than the Kia Rio.
I would love to have the Picanto in our line-up
Overseas models of the Picanto has the choice of three engines ,the Kappa 1.0 MPI Engine, Kappa 1.0 FFV Engine and the Kappa 1.2 MPI Engine, there is even a a factory LPG version.
Given the target market for the Kia Picanto safety is paramount and the overseas models include Emergency Stop Signals, Vehicle Stability Management, Holl Assist Control, Six airbags (2 x front, 2 x side and 2 x curtain) and Electronic Stability Control.
Kia Australia is yet to confirm any pricing or specifications for the Australian market but considering the Kia Rio starts from $15,990 the Picanto could rival the Suzuki Alto at $11,790.
We know Hyundai have been planning to bring the Hyundai i10 in to Australia, it will be interesting to see who gets it done first.
Hopefully we will be able to bring you news of a launch date soon.
