Kia Picanto here this year

Kia is almost certain to join the growing throng of pint-size city-cars in Australia by introducing the facelifted Picanto here this year, supported by a unique marketing campaign that will target university students.

The upgraded Picanto made its world debut at the Geneva motor show overnight, featuring revised exterior and interior styling, more equipment and an improved engine and chassis.

The Korean micro could go on sale in Australia as early as September in a single, well-specified five-door automatic model variant, positioned beneath the Rio light-car (from $15,990 in three-door form) with a price tag below $14,000. There will be no three-door or manual version.

Kia Motors Australia's media and corporate communications manager Kevin Hepworth cautioned that a business case had not been finalised, but that the chances were good for the Picanto ro reach local showrooms late in the third quarter of this year.

In a novel twist, however, Hepworth said the company will pitch the Picanto at uni-goers via special deals for tertiary students.

"Obviously that [micro-car] segment is not setting the world on fire so you've got to find a way to make it relevant for the market," he told motoring.com.au.

Hepworth wouldn't elaborate on the innovative marketing strategy, but motoring.com.au understands it will involve a 'HECS' type payment plan involving discounted finance rates for students.

As part of the pitch, Kia will also promote the Picanto's low running costs and capped-price servicing plan, as well as the Korean brand's industry-leading seven-year/150,000km warranty.

The midlife makeover for Kia's smallest model – a direct rival for A-segment city-cars like the Holden Barina Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Micra and Suzuki Celerio – becomes available across Europe later this month.

Biggest mechanical changes are a more efficient, Euro 6 emissions-compliant 1.0-litre MPI petrol engine and the option of 11mm-larger (252mm) front brake discs that reduce 0-100km/h stopping distance by two metres to 37 metres.

Changes are more extensive inside, where the MY15 Picanto gains a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, cruise control with speed limiter, revised centre stack, chrome accents surrounding the instrument binnacle and air vents, and a new cloth seat trim pattern.

Distinguished externally by a new-look 'tiger-nose' grille and new front and rear bumpers, Europe's updated Picanto also comes with the option of a new 14-inch wheel design and a 'sport' cosmetic pack.

In addition, three interior colour packs will be on offer (packaged with footwell illumination), including a Red Pack with black artificial leather and red cloth seat trim, and high-gloss red and black door panel inserts.

There's also a yellow pack comprising black artificial leather and cloth seat upholstery with yellow stitching, and bright yellow dash and steering wheel trim, while the Brown Pack comes with brown artificial leather seat trim, brown door trim and high-gloss piano black dashboard trim.

While the Picanto has been conspicuous by its absence Down Under, last year Kia sold more than 51,000 examples in Europe alone – all of them produced at Kia's Seosan plant in Korea.