Kia Picanto (2011): the first design sketches

Kia will replace the Picanto city car in spring 2011 - and these are the first pictures of the new 2011 small car. The production Picanto will be shown at the Geneva motor show in March, with UK sales slated to begin soon after 'from late spring 2011.' It's yet another design from Kia's European styling studio in Germany led by ex-Audi man Peter Schreyer. This time a three-door will be sold alongside the five-door Picanto.

Dongfeng Aeolus A60

Dongfeng Aeolus A60 is set to go on sale in the Chinese market this month for the first time. The car, which uses the platform of the Dongfeng Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, features large headlamps that flank the chrome-topped front grille, creating a DRG reminiscent of its predecessor, the Aeolus A30 as well as some European and American sedans. A rising beltline runs from front to rear, lengthening the appearance of the car and addin a more dynamic character to waht is a very conventinal three-box sedan.

Chevy Malibu Eco hybrid is a tough sell

Most prospective Chevrolet Malibu buyers at Castle Chevrolet in suburban Chicago quickly decide that they don't want to pay nearly $3,000 more for the Eco mild-hybrid version. "For most people, it's hard to justify the extra money based on the extra fuel economy" of a combined 3 mpg more than the base model, says Jeff Tuckman, the dealership's inventory manager. "You've got the base LS model sitting next to it that's just as nice and luxurious." It's a problem flagged by many Chevy dealers.