THE Picanto was where it all began for Kia. Until then, Kia cars were just curiosities. They were big on value but chronically low on driver appeal.

The Picanto wasn't a market leader, the Ford KA had it beaten for driving enjoyment and the Fiat 500 was miles more stylish, but it wasn't far off the mark – and it cost thousands less.

Unsurprisingly, buyers couldn't get enough of them. Kia was on a roll.

Having teased enthusiasts for several months with sketches of the next generation Picanto, Kia issued the first official pictures of its new baby last month.

The most obvious change is to the front where the latest Picanto gains the Kia family face and a chin that wouldn't disgrace Desperate Dan.

Peter Schreyer, Kia's design chief, says he played around with light and shadow on the Picanto's flanks. The creases and scoops add depth and give the new car a more substantial appearance. They also visually lower the car's height for a more sure footed stance.

As is common these days, the new Picanto is longer than the model it replaces so there should be more room inside the remodelled cabin (which, according to a Kia spokesman, will be “good looking and funky”).

It will be available in three and five-door body styles, rather than just a five-door as at present. The three-door will not arrive in the UK until the autumn.

Interestingly, all the engines are petrol powered – Kia reckons they are so efficient there's no need of a diesel alternative. Indeed, the cleanest examples will dip below the 100 g/km CO2 figure – meaning you'll pay nothing for road tax.

Across the globe, buyers of new Picanto will have a choice of up to four all-new super-efficient powertrains - three versions of the 1-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine (petrol, flex fuel and bi-fuel) and a single 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol Kappa power unit. The exact choice will depend on individual markets.

Power outputs will range from 69 to 85 ps, with maximum torque between 94 and 121 Nm. Exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that regular models in the new Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 95 to 105 g/km. The bi-fuel 1-litre engine will generate 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque. Fuel economy for all of the engines is also improved.

In the UK, some models will be available with Kia's fuel-stretching ISG technologies, cutting emissions to between 90 and 100 g/km and further improve fuel economy.

The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on model.

Picanto is destined to be a highly competitive newcomer in the A-segment. As well as offering new levels of powertrain efficiency, it boasts a distinctive exterior, sophisticated interior, and numerous ‘large car' advanced comfort and safety features like LED daytime running lights, button-start with smart key, grip-type outside door handles and six or seven airbags, depending on model.

The new Picanto will make its world debut at the Geneva Show in March. A UK on-sale date has yet to be confirmed.

Prices are expected to start at around £7,000.