Kia Picanto 3dr vs rivals

With the Volkswagen up! arriving next year, the heat is really on in the city car sector. But you don’t have to wait until then to see how much standards have improved; the new Kia Picanto is superb. The quality of its cabin is astonishing, standard equipment is generous and there’s lots of space.

It has a stern rival in the shape of the 500 TwinAir, though. The Fiat is the style benchmark, and its unique engine delivers impressive performance and low emissions. Add fun handling and the potential for lots of customisation, and it’s easy to fall for its charms.

Put style aside, though, and the 500 trails the Kia on interior quality and space – so the choice comes down to your priorities. If you value style, fun and pace, go for the Fiat. But if you want kit, upmarket materials and space, the Picanto is the answer.

It’s hard to ignore the Fiat’s desirability, but we have to admit the TwinAir engine fails to live up to its bold economy claims, and the car will cost more to run in the long term. So the Picanto is our winner.

Unfortunately, the Ford Ka has neither the quality or space of the Kia, nor the looks and charisma of the Fiat, and finishes a distant third.

The Picanto makes most sense as a stylish three-door. You get a lot of city car for your money, with a brilliant warranty, long kit list and impressive cabin quality. Plus, it’s refined and good to drive – but it can’t match the Fiat when it comes to all-important image.

Drive the TwinAir hard, and you won’t get anywhere near Fiat’s efficiency claims. But the engine’s performance and character make the car great fun to drive, plus it’s hard to beat on style. The 500 pushes the Kia all the way on the back of its sheer personality.

Something is missing from the Ford Ka recipe. It’s a decent car, but can’t compete with its rivals: it’s neither as fast or as fun as the Fiat nor as spacious or affordable as the Kia. Cheaper entry-level versions make more sense.