Currently reading: New Kia Ray city car revealed
Kia's new city car will likely use the Picanto's engine line-up from launch; an EV is also possible

Kia has revealed these first images of its new ‘practical and innovative’ Kia Ray city car. The A-segment Ray will be sold in its Korean home market in spring 2012 and will cost from around £7000.

Powertrain options remain unclear, but the 1.0-litre three-pot and 1.25-litre four-pot from the Picanto could be strong contenders. It is also possible that an electric version of the Kia Ray could make production from 2013 thanks to more stringent emissions targets, which will be implemented in that year.

See pics of the Kia Ray city car

Autocar understands that the Ray does not use the Picanto platform, but that much of the Picanto’s hardware could be carried over to reduce production costs.

Externally, the boxy Ray city car features the firm’s signature chrome-rimmed radiator grille. New headlamps house LED daytime running lights.

For ease of entry, the Ray also features a rear sliding door on the passenger side; a conventional rear door is used on the driver’s side. At the back of the micro-MPV, the Ray gets LED lights and vertical bumper reflectors.

Although Kia does not plan to sell the Ray in Europe, it is possible that other Asian markets such as China will receive the car.

Alex Kersten

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