New Car Honours 2006

	Low costs are matched by decent equipment levels and good all-round ability, meaning the Picanto boasts not only stunning value, but fine road manners, too.

It goes without saying that the winner of the Budget Car category has to be affordable - but more than that, it has to offer great value for money. And one marque is rapidly establishing a fearsome reputation in that regard. So much so, that Kia has produced two of this year's three finalists.

And it's the Picanto city car which has most impressed us over the past 12 months. With prices starting at £5,895, and even the range-topping 1.1 SE+ coming in at substantially less than £8,000, it's not going to break the bank.

However, the low costs are matched by decent equipment levels and good all-round ability, meaning the Picanto boasts not only stunning value, but fine road manners, too. Nimble in town and able to cope with the worst that life on our congested streets can throw at it, the Kia's perky and responsive nature really appeals.

Offering five doors as standard in a market where three is the norm is a further plus. Whichever model you opt for, though, the Picanto isn't only a sensible buy, but a satisfying one, too.