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?

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