Kia is reportedly preparing to bring a newer Picanto to Pakistan next month after ending the outgoing hatchback’s six-year local run.
Automotive expert Suneel Munj reports that Lucky Motor Corporation is preparing to introduce the latest Picanto in the Pakistani market. However, Lucky Motor has not officially confirmed the plan or announced a launch date.
New Picanto launch reportedly under consideration
The report comes only days after the company ended sales of the existing 1,000cc Picanto. The hatchback has disappeared from Kia Pakistan’s current showroom lineup, while new bookings have reportedly closed permanently. Kia Pakistan’s website currently lists models including the Sportage L, Stonic, Sorento, Carnival, EV5 and EV9, but not the Picanto.
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Kia introduced the Picanto in Pakistan in September 2019 as a locally assembled entry in the 1,000cc hatchback segment. The model remained on sale for nearly six years before Lucky Motor ended its production and sales.
Pakistan received the second-generation TA Picanto, even though Kia had already introduced the third-generation car internationally. That gap became more noticeable as Kia continued updating the Picanto in overseas markets.
Picanto exits Pakistan after six years
PakWheels reported on August 7 that Lucky Motor had discontinued the model and closed new bookings. It also said the Picanto had competed with established hatchbacks such as the Suzuki Cultus and Wagon R.
Reports about its exit pointed to slow sales, rising prices, resale concerns and relatively expensive spare parts. However, Lucky Motor has not publicly detailed the reasons behind the discontinuation.
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Kia’s latest international Picanto uses the company’s newer Opposites United design language and carries a much sharper exterior than Pakistan’s outgoing model. The redesigned front includes a wider grille, updated bumper treatment and a more modern lighting signature.
Depending on the market and trim, the current Picanto can also offer an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 4.2-inch driver display. Higher trims add features such as LED lighting and additional driver-assistance systems.
Kia offers 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol powertrains in some international markets, with manual and automatic options. These overseas specifications do not confirm what Pakistan will receive.
Price, specs and assembly status still unknown
For Pakistani buyers, the biggest questions remain unanswered. Lucky Motor has not disclosed the engine, variants, features, price or whether it plans local assembly.
The company has also not said whether it would launch the same specification sold in markets such as the United Kingdom or a Pakistan-specific version.
Munj’s report suggests the Picanto nameplate may continue in Pakistan despite the retirement of the older model. If the reported timeline holds, more details could emerge within the coming weeks.
Until Lucky Motor makes an official announcement, the launch remains unconfirmed. Still, the old model’s removal and fresh replacement reports have raised expectations of a quick return for Kia’s smallest hatchback.
