Kia Motors South Africa says the GT-Line and X-Line variants of the facelifted Picanto are “under consideration” for a local introduction.

The Korean firm’s local arm says the refreshed Picanto range is expected to touch down in South Africa in the final quarter of 2020. Of course, we’ve already seen the updated third-generation Picanto, after the little city car broke cover in South Korea in the second week of May 2020 (wearing the “Morning” badge).

Now, the company’s division in Europe has released fresh information, including the fact the upgraded Picanto will be offered with “re-engineered powertrains” and a new, optional automated manual transmission. We should point out, however, it remains to be seen whether the local range will gain the same upgrades.

The sportily styled GT-Line and rugged-looking X-Line variants gain the latest interpretation of the brand’s “tiger nose” grille, which features red highlights on GT-Line model and black trim on X-Line model. Both models feature redesigned headlamps and LED daytime running lights, along with redesigned LED taillamps. The front and rear bumper designs, too, have been tweaked.

The GT-Line boasts a body-coloured bumper with gloss-black highlights, while the X-Line features skid plates and black cladding running from its front bumper along its flanks.

Inside, the Euro-spec Picanto gains what Kia describes as a “series of visual and technological upgrades”, centred around an 8,0-inch display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality) and a 4,2-inch digital display in the instrument cluster.

And under the bonnet? Well, in Europe, the Picanto is offered with a 74 kW turbocharged 1,0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, a 49 kW naturally aspirated 1,0-litre unit or a 1,2-litre motor generating 62 kW. Again, local engine specifications have yet to be confirmed.

Original article from Car