Kia Picanto GT-Line: Will This Pocket-Rocket Come To India?

The South Korean carmaker's GT-Line is one of the cheapest performance hatchbacks in its A-Segment vehicles. The turbocharged unit that the company will offer from late 2017 on paper looks to make it the most affordable performance vehicle.

The design cues are inspired by that of the company's high-performance GT models, like the Kia Optima GT. The exterior of the Kia Picanto GT-Line receives a sporty finish with red, silver and black highlights in the front grille and air intakes.

Inside the cabin, the Kia Picanto GT-Line is offered with different colour packages: High Gloss Black, Brown, Blue, Red and Lime. The sporty trim (GT-Line S) also receives a D-cut steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.

The Kia Picanto GT-Line with the turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol power plant churns out 98bhp and 172Nm of torque coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This makes it one of the affordable performance hatchback in the world.

The new Kia Picanto is offered with other engine options as well. The previous generation's 1.0-litre Kappa three-cylinder engine in standard and turbocharged versions and the 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder motor.

Both 1.0-litre engines will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox while the 1.2-litre engine will be available with an optional automatic gearbox.

While performance hatchbacks available in India have not found many takers simply because of its steep pricing, the Kia Picanto GT-Line could change the way Indian buyers might perceive of a performance hatchback.

Will Kia launch the Picanto GT-Line in India with an aggressive pricing remains to be seen as the company is yet to set its foot in the Indian automobile industry. However, the company is aggressive about its future in India.

When launched in India, the Kia Picanto GT-Line will lock horns with the Volkswagen Polo GT and the Fiat Abarth Punto.