Kia is displaying the Picanto Sports, the sportiest version of Kia's fuel-efficient and fun A-segment car, at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show. Kia is considering this tiny car for the Australian market.

"All around the world, fuel prices are continuing to rise, and placing greater emphasis on fuel efficiency for cars used predominantly in urban areas," according to Mr SK Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Australia.

"Urban areas are becoming more congested and parking spaces harder to find, making smaller and more manoeuvrable cars even more attractive. Air travel has become much cheaper, meaning more young people choose to fly rather than drive to holiday destinations."

"We are showing the well-equipped, fuel-efficient and fun Picanto in Melbourne to see whether the Australian public agrees that the Picanto could be the ideal car for inner-urban lifestyles. If public reaction during the show is positive and fuel prices continue to stay high, we will give serious consideration to bringing the Picanto to the Australian market."

Recognised as one of the best equipped and most fuel efficient vehicles in its class in overseas markets, the chic and colourful Picanto Sports' 1.1-litre engine generates 48 kW @ 5,500 rpm and 99 Nm of torque @ 2,800rpm and drives the light car through a five-speed manual gearbox. Other versions of the car sold overseas are available with an optional four-speed automatic gearbox.