Kia unveils sporty three-door Picanto

Kia's three-door Picanto will go on sale next month, with prices starting at £7795.

That's £200 cheaper than the cheapest five-door version but there is more than the number of doors that differentiate the two models.

The grille opening is bigger on the three-door and is available with red or silver surrounds. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, too. The front bumper now has large foglights and a second large grille to make the car look sportier than the five-door, says Kia, and there are twin chromed exhaust outlets, too.

Like the five-door version, 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol engines are available, and four trim grades, dependent on which engine is chosen.

The 1.0-litre is available in entry level 1 and 1 Air trims. It comes with stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, a trip computer and a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake. The 1 Air adds air-conditioning.

The top two trims are called Halo and Equinox and both have Bluetooth, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, climate control and smart key with start-stop button.

Both cost £11,695 but the Halo focuses on economy, with lower CO2 emissions and higher mpg than the Equinox (see table below).

Halo also has 14-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, reverse parking sensors, alloy pedals and metallic paint. You can also specify this version with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Equinox versions are sportier, with 15-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded interior.

The three-door Picanto goes on sale September 1.