Kia Picanto (2011) first official pictures

This is the new Kia Picanto, which will be unveiled offiically at the 2011 Geneva motor show this spring.

Two bodystyles will be available this time: a three- and a five-door supermini, broadening the appeal of the baby Kia.

Prices are estimated to start at £7000.

The all new Picanto has grown in length, 'to break up the height and give the car a more sure-footed stance,' according to design chief Peter Schreyer. But no actual measurements are available yet. 

Four powertrains will be offered: a 1.0 and 1.2 petrol, both with what Kia calls 'class-leading' CO2 emissions.

It's likely that the cleanest engine will spew out less than 100g/km, according to our sources.

In addition to standard petrol engines, Kia says it will launch LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variants.

Looks like we'll have to wait until nearer the Geneva motor show for the full story on the new 2011 Picanto. Today's announcement is very much a teaser story.  

But from these first pictures, the creeping Europeanisation of Kia continues. There's very much a continental vibe about the new Picanto. Indeed - whisper it - the ongoing obsession with Ford clones appears to remain unabated.

By Sarah-Jayne Harrison