The Kia Picanto upgrade is a case in point. With new front and rear body tweaks, and a significant interior upgrade, the Picanto will become an even more useful element in the Korean carmaker's European growth push.
Citroen added yet another arrow to the C4 series quiver, with a reveal of its sedan variant of the hatchback we've been used to. Coming along behind the very successful compact MPV C4 Picasso, this one should also increase the double chevron's penetration in some key markets where sedans are popular.
The Freetrack from SEAT is a variant on the Leon theme, kitted out with body adornments to make a statement in the so-called 'urban jungle'. Certainly it looks the part.
Peugeot is in on a similar act with a tricked-up version of the 207 SW called the Outdoor. It's a concept version of a supermini wagon going on sale in July.
Not new to us is Nissan's Qashquai, which was circuiting a novelty track that included going into the jaws of a cavern; kids over the weekend must have really enjoyed the spin.
Important to Renault is its new Twingo, due for launch very shortly; the Barcelona show was used to hype up a 'connected' version with Bluetooth and other iPod generation stuff.
The Chrysler 200C sedan shown above is bringing the American company into a market segment which is declining but still very important. The fact that it has a 2.0 litre diesel option will certainly make it a contender of interest.
Finally, we can't help but fall for this latest variant in the Citroen 'Crosser' series of concepts. As a pickup it has more than most; if they put it into production as is, it will clean up with the 'look at me' brigade. BB & TW.
