• Just two engines now
• Non-turbo 1.0-litre the most sensible
• But sporty 1.0 turbo is bags of fun

There are two engines available in the Kia Picanto – they’re both 1.0-litre three-cylinder units, but one is fitted with a turbocharger for extra performance.

The basic, non-turbocharged engine provides 67hp and just 96Nm of torque. Performance is on a par with its city car rivals, though, and in regular day-to-day driving you don’t need to work the base Picanto very hard except in a few scenarios, such as joining a main road without much of a run-up. The thrummy three-cylinder soundtrack and slick five-speed manual gearbox mean this isn’t too taxing a chore, however.

The non-turbo engine is also available with a five-speed automated manual transmission. We’ve sampled this in the mechanically identical Hyundai i10 and have to conclude that those who need a small automatic car should look elsewhere. It’s slow, unresponsive and jerks between gearchanges like a new driver figuring out clutch control.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre fitted to GT-Line cars is a different kettle of fish. With around a third more power than the non-turbo engine, plus almost twice as much torque, it pulls the Picanto around very willingly indeed. As a junior hot hatchback to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Up GTI, or as a more insurance and wallet-friendly alternative to the Abarth 595, it’s an amazingly likable little car.

Kia’s even fitted a shorter-throw five-speed manual gearbox and given the car a sporty makeover on the outside.

120

Handling

The Picanto’s wheel-at-each-corner stance and light controls mean it’s good fun to drive regardless of which engine or trim level you opt for.

Stiff suspension means that while you do feel a few more bumps than you might in a Suzuki Ignis, the Picanto corners flatly and there are impressive levels of grip on offer. If comfort is your priority, the 14-inch wheels of entry-level cars do an admirable job of dealing with potholes and broken road surfaces. The GT-Line has 16-inch wheels which while great to look at do transmit a sharper edge through to the cabin.

120

Put simply, though, the Picanto is perfectly tuned for where it will spend most of its time, with a tight turning circle and easy controls making it perfect for city driving. Those same qualities shine through on a twisting country lane, too.