Kia Picanto - best small cars
The second generation Kia Picanto is a revelation, and as such, makes our best small cars list
Our choice: Kia Picanto 2 1.0 GDI
The Kia Picanto has gone from being a relative snooze fest, to a stylish city car that a lot of people would actually want to own. Hats off to Kia, as the Picanto now boasts a better equipped interior, more space, a grown up driving experience, and a few more personalisation options. All told, it’s a far cry from the Mk1.
The Picanto is great in town, partly due to the reduced overhangs providing a tighter turning circle. While neither of the engines (1.0-litre 66bhp and 1.2-litre 84bhp units) are particularly powerful, the improved quality of the Picanto makes it more capable on long journeys.
There is no longer a three-door offered, and access to the rear through the wide opening rear doors makes getting in incredible easy. There are, however, two seating configurations available; four and five seaters. Removal of one passenger reduces the CO2 emissions by 10g/km, but there is, of course, a corresponding reduction in practicality.
The price tag helps make the Picanto affordable to a lot of motorists. Add to this the low fuel consumption, cheap tax, and inexpensive consumables, and the Kia becomes one of the cheapest new cars to run.
Best small cars 2018
- 1. Ford Fiesta
- 2. Volkswagen up!
- 3. MINI 5-door
- 4. SEAT Ibiza
- 5. Skoda Citigo
- 6. Citroen C3 Aircross
- 7. Volkswagen Polo
- 8. Kia Picanto
- 9. SEAT Arona
- 10. Mazda 2