First sketches of a new Kia Picanto

Here are the first design sketches of Kia's new Picanto city car. Looks pretty cool in my humble opinion - those wheels must be at least 21-inches tall. The current Picanto rolls on less impressive 13-inch wheels.

Peter Schreyer, chief design officer at Kia's Frankfurt design studio, is responsible for this bold new direction, and compared to the last Picanto it's about as bold as man's first steps on the moon.

But hey, it's attractive and different, and let's see what they come up with for real. If it makes it into production looking much like this space-age moon-buggy for the road, then Kia could have a hit on their hands. Only time will tell if real-world regulations and practicalities tame it down somewhat, and whether those wheels shrink by an inch or five.

"The next generation Picanto is designed to break the city car mould," says Kia, going on to confirm that the car will be unveiled for real at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, ready to buy in the UK from late Spring. Now that's a quick concept turnaround.

Handsome from very angle - the new Kia Picanto concept

Spot the difference...?