Previewed in August, the new Kia Picanto has been shown again today – this time, distributor Naza Kia revealed that the third-generation A-segment hatchback is now open for booking, with a launch date set for the first quarter of 2018. Although pricing information is scarce, a sales advisor present at the event has given a ballpark of under RM60,000 for the new JA model, which would undercut the outgoing TA slightly.

The car seen here is practically identical to the one that was shown earlier, a GT Line model with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts and a rear diffuser with twin exhaust exits. There are also 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, an inch larger than what the previous TA model was offered with.

Although the doors were locked here and the windows covered, we’ve seen the interior before – there’s a new horizontal dashboard layout, a three-spoke steering wheel, a Rio-style “floating” head unit and concave air-con controls that are said to be more ergonomic.

Features confirmed for our market include halogen headlights with U-shaped LED daytime running lights (in a single light guide, rather than the current car’s individual diodes), LED tail lights, keyless entry, push-button start, six airbags, stability control and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The display unit also comes with part-leather upholstery, cruise control, a reverse camera, automatic climate control, a sunroof, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and even autonomous emergency braking (AEB). However, don’t expect all of these to be featured on local units – this is, after all, a car that will be playing in a price-sensitive market.

Power should come from the same 1.25 litre naturally-aspirated DOHC four-cylinder engine as before, making 83 hp at 6,000 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Naza Kia previously sold the TA with a five-speed manual option, but a low take-up rate means that it’s unlikely to be offered again.

So what do you think of the new Kia Picanto? Would you buy one instead of the Proton Iriz and especially the new Perodua Myvi at around the same price? Sound off in the comments section after the jump.