Picanto News: Is This The New 2007 Picanto?

And will we finally see a Diesel version in the UK?

Although we don't usually like spy shots, we were quite drawn to these recent pictures of what Auto Express are claiming is the all-new Kia Picanto.

The first thing we noticed was how the front and rear side window frames were identical, when compared to the current model. This naturally suggests were looking at a Picanto, as no two vehicles would be identical in this way, although a closer look suggests the wing mirror is different to throw us off.

Rear end changes are also apparent, but most obvious is the A-pillar which means new front wings, grille and bonnet. A move that could mean more space under the hood to drop in an oil burner and that means...diesel power.

Despite the spin coming from the Korean's PR dept, rumours are the real reason the RHD diesel Picanto never got to these shores was the fact the diesel engine is significantly larger than the petrol. Coupled with the fact that steering columns, brake servo's, clutch and pedals are all on the opposite side, Kia may have felt it un-economically viable to spend the extra £££ on redesign's, especially if a new version was on the horizon.

This new model could also be available in a GTi version, powered by a 97 bhp petrol (why not make it 100 bhp).

So what were seeing here is either a face-lifted version of the current Picanto with a more 'European' look or the platform for Hyundai's forth-coming 2007 Amica, which is due to be launched early 2007.

Fingers crossed it's not the latter.