2017 Kia Picanto revealed

Kia has unveiled the third-generation Picanto city car to take on the new Holden Spark.

The new pint-sized hatch will replace the current generation which has only been on sale locally for a short while but has been offered globally since 2011.

A heavily revised front end spearheads the exterior changes with the current Picanto's cute, conservative and simple look replaced with a more aggressive and busy face.

A large front grille with two foglights is flanked by two smaller grilles along with a long, thin grille above which links the two headlights, all of which adds up to a rather interesting face that would look more at home on a larger hot hatch than a simple point-A-to-B city car.

Kia has also increased the wheelbase by 15mm - while maintaining the same length - which should translate into a more spacious interior than the current offering.

The interior has also been given a once over with a new floating touchscreen the main drawcard along with leather accented seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel which belies its cut-price position.

Kia hasn't revealed which engines will be available in the new Picanto, but the best bet is the brand's 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.

Kia may also go with just an auto-only option like the current generation.

The new Picanto will have its official debut at the 2017 Geneva motor show in March with local sales commencing in the second quarter.

• For all the latest information visit our Kia showroom.