Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Picanto brings A-game to the A-segment

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia

2012 Kia Picanto – Click above for high-res image gallery

Originally launched back in 2004, the Kia Picanto has gone through twoface lifts before arriving in its all-new form here on the Geneva Motor Show stage. The redesigned A-segment hatchback features the modern design language shared by the rest of the family, and it’s offered in three-door or five-door form.

The 2012 Picanto is available with a choice between three engines and two transmissions. The base engine is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit that’s offered in two forms; a traditional gas burner and a bi-fuel version that runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and gasoline. The standard gas version produces 68 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 70 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The bi-fuel unit generates 81 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 69 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.

A larger 1.25-liter inline-four is also available, which produces 83 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 89 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. All three engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic is optional with the four-cylinder. Those manual transmissions and tiny engines help the Picanto achieve excellent fuel economy. The 1.25-liter model earns nearly 66 miles per gallon in mixed driving while the 1.0-liter Kia nets 67 mpg. The bi-fuel engine achieves 48 mpg but only emits 90-g/km of C02, when equipped with Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG).

Check out our galleries below and the press release on this cheeky little not-for-U.S. hatchback after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Kia Picanto: Geneva 2011