THE little Kia Picanto is almost as well-equipped as much more expensive competitors and close in every other way except price.
Superminis don’t come any cheaper and you don’t have to give up your creature comforts.
It’s available with 1.0 and 1.1-litre petrol engines, both of which give fair performance and excellent economy.
And of course, all have five doors - unlike most of the cheaper cars from other makers.
It is smooth and reasonably quiet but soundproofing is not at the top of the list so it can be wearing on a long journey.
Power steering takes the strain and gives a fair amount of feel, handling is safe and road-holding reasonably sticky.
Acceleration in the first three gears is good, but there not much in fourth and nothing at all in fifth, which is just for cruising.
Under 30 miles an hour in town the ride is pretty good, but at speed on rougher country roads, it is a little jittery and unsettled.
Interior
The driving position is good, with height and reach adjustable steering and all the controls are light including the clutch and gearchange.
Air conditioning is standard on top models, the seats are comfortable, the interior good looking and rear legroom is better than many other small cars.
FAST FACTS
Kia Picanto
Price: Pay about £2,100 for an ’05 05-reg S, £4,900 for an ’09 09-reg Picanto 1
Mechanical: 60bhp, 999cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 93mph
0-62mph: 15.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 55
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 123g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Vauxhall Corsa