Kia shows photos of Picanto city car

Federal rules requiring fleet average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 have generated a lot of conversation about how car companies will actually get there in such a short period. It will be especially tough for those with broad lineups that include large trucks and other traditionally fuel-hungry vehicles. Many people in […]

Federal rules requiring fleet average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 have generated a lot of conversation about how car companies will actually get there in such a short period. It will be especially tough for those with broad lineups that include large trucks and other traditionally fuel-hungry vehicles.

Many people in the industry say we should expect to see more hybrids, more electric cars and expensive materials and technology applied to conventional vehicles to make them lighter and more efficient. In the past, when car makers needed a quick boost in overall fuel economy, they turned to smaller cars for help. General Motors did it in the 1980s with the tiny three-cylinder Chevy Sprint and a decade later with a similar car called the Metro. Recently Ford did so with its 40-mpg Fiesta.

As for the Picanto, Kia has made it sportier looking to grab shoppers’ attention in the competitive subcompact markets in Asia and Europe. The outgoing Picanto was available only as a five-door hatchback, but the new version will also come in a racy three-door version. Its 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines are designed to cut fuel consumption and pollution.

Kia says it will unveil the production car at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.