Baby EV9? 2024 Kia Picanto facelift photos leaked ahead of official debut

The current-generation Kia Picanto hatchback has always had a cuddly and cute appearance.

From its pert rear end to its beady headlights, it looks more like a bunny than a small city car. But with the latest leaked photos from South Korea, this rabbit’s got a mean new face.

South Korean automotive forum Autospy has released what appears to be official photos of the facelifted Picanto, now sporting a front end reminiscent of the Kia EV9 battery-electric sport-utility vehicle.

Much more aggressive

The most apparent change is the headlights that now feature a boomerang shape and are connected by chrome trim in this top-spec GT-Line variant.

The lower bumper has also gotten a restyle, sporting a scowl emphasized by the gloss-black trims. Down the side, the Picanto GT-Line gets intricate, two-tone alloy wheels with meaty tires and a modest side skirt to emphasize its sporty flavor.

Out back, the Picanto’s familiar wraparound taillights are still around, now connected by a red LED strip.

Inside, the cabin looks largely identical to the pre-facelift model, although eagle-eyed readers will note the fully digital gauge cluster.

6-year-old design

The third-generation Picanto was launched globally at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

Although Kia has not officially announced the facelifted hatchback’s engines, it will likely carry over the 1.0-liter inline-3 and 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline powerplants of the pre-facelift model.

The Korean supermini was launched in the Philippines on August 2017 and is currently available in the EX MT variant for ₱700,000.

The updated Picanto is expected to launch in Australia as early as July 2023.

Do you prefer the new, angrier look of the Kia Picanto?

Rate this story using the five stars below. It will help us provide content that you enjoy!