click above image for more angles of the 2007 Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is a small city car that's a big seller for the South Korean automaker. Though not sold in the U.S., the Picanto, which is based on the Hyundai Getz, is a hit in Europe and other export markets where teeny weeny autos are appreciated by the populace. Early next month, Kia will be debuting an updated Picanto at the Barcelona Motor Show in Spain. While far from all-new, the refreshed Picanto gets a more organic front end that reminds us a bit of the Hyundai Elantra that's sold in the U.S. The new front clip and rear bumper manage to grow the Picanto's overall length by 1.57 inches, but it's basically the same car underneath as before. The interior has also been upgraded, though it still appears to be chiseled from a giant block of hard plastic. Nevertheless, this new look has grown the Picanto from an awkward-looking city car into something that resembles a car even we Americans could excited about. After all, who doesn't love Lambo look-alike wheels on a micro mini?

You can rad Kia's official press release after the jump and check out the gallery by clicking below.

[Source: Kia]



PRESS RELEASE:

NEW KIA PICANTO MAKES WORLD WIDE DEBUT IN BARCELONA

Kia's best seller is about to get bigger and better. Only millimetres bigger but miles better in every way, the face-lifted Picanto is set for a world debut at the Barcelona show on June 7.

Kia's design teams have updated Picanto to exude glamour while still maintaining its cheeky charm. A rounder nose and deeper rear bumper make the new model 40mm longer than its predecessor. Further changes in Picanto's looks are a result of all-new panels on the bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumpers. This new 'rounded' theme is also reflected in the light clusters and newly designed grille which will be gradually introduced across the Kia range. Fresh new colours and a restyled rounded exterior create a more intimate feel which continues on the interior as well.

The upgraded interior comes in five funky new colours to complement the nine new exterior colours on offer. New audio equipment and power steering will also enhance Picanto's high quality driving experience seldom offered in this sector.

Kia Motors European Vice President, Jean-Charles Lievens commented on this latest addition to the Kia range: "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving more than 250,000 sales across Europe in a segment where we previously had no presence. Now we have refreshed our small car, upgrading its equipment and introducing a range of customer benefits, we aim to maintain its appeal and expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years."