Kia Picanto 1.25 MPI GT-Line 2017 review

In the city, the new Picanto excels, living up to the reputation of its predecessors. Visibility is great all round – there seems little need for the rear parking sensor and cameras available on higher trim levels – and it’s responsive and manoeuvrable.

At low speeds, the ride can occasionally suffer on our particularly rough UK roads or speed bumps, but take to faster, more flowing roads and the Picanto is surprisingly engaging. The steering is light but precise, and it’s stable enough to be good fun on twisty B-roads.

The 83bhp, 1.2-litre engine is geared to provide ample power for stop-start city driving, and though not particularly quick to react, it isn’t found wanting at higher speeds. Those who want greater performance from their Picanto may want to wait for the 98bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that's on its way.

But this 1.2-litre engine is still flexible, and, when it's up to motorway speeds, the Picanto feels sure footed. It’s not a car you’d want to take extended journeys in regularly, but it’s definitely a city car that doesn't feel out of place heading out of town.

It helps that it’s comfortable too. There’s plenty of space up front and it’s easy enough to get comfortable, despite lacking somewhat in seat and steering wheel adjustment options. The boot is a decent size too.

The dashboard isn’t the most stylish in the world, and it doesn’t really fit with the stylised GT-Line trim. But all the key buttons are well laid-out and easy to reach and use.

If you’re looking for an affordable small car, the Picanto is definitely worth considering – it’s a city car that can hold its own outside of its natural habitat.

Whether you should choose the GT-Line probably depends on, well, whether you think an 83bhp Picanto really needs a twin exhaust. Splash out an extra £200 for the 3 trim and you’ll have a car that doesn’t look as sharp, but features a seven-inch touchscreen and a host of extra kit. The GT-Line S offers the best of both, but does cost an extra £2000.

At that price though, the Picanto starts to look expensive next to its rivals. The Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up are the Picanto's closest competitors, and they both undercut the Kia's price while being similarly well-specced.

Kia Picanto 1.25 MPI GT-Line

Location Surrey On sale Now Price £12,450 Engine 4 cylinder in line, 1248cc, petrol Power 83bhp at 6000rpm Torque 90lb ft at 4000rpm Gearbox 5-speed manual Kerbweight 940kg 0-62mph 12.0sec Top speed 107mph Economy 61.4mpg CO2/tax band 106g/km, 19% Rivals Volkswagen Up, Hyundai i10

James Attwood