Kia Picanto running costs are pretty decent across the board. Most fuel efficient are the 1.0-litre versions, which all manage 67mpg. They also emit less than 100g/km of CO2, which makes for very low road tax charges.

Larger 1.25-litre versions are still reasonably frugal, averaging between 50 and 65mpg depending on exact specification. EcoDynamics spec 1.25-litre cars have mpg and CO2 figures very nearly as good as the 1.0-litre engines.

Also available for Picanto car buyers is an optional three or five year service package which is competitively priced and set at a fixed cost for the full three or five years covering either the first three services – either 36 months or 30,000 miles or the first five services – either 60 months or 50,000 miles.

Predictably, the smallest engine in the range emits the least CO2. Official Kia Picanto emissions figures for 1.0-litre versions are an excellent 99g/km.

The more powerful 1.25-litre engine only emits 1g/km more if you go for a fuel-efficient EcoDynamics version.

Most polluting are automatic 1.25-litre cars, which emit between 125 and 130g/km.

Kia Picanto reliability is pretty solid. Kia strengthened the Picanto’s hand in 2010 by awarding cars built from that year a seven-year warranty. This second generation will have the seven-year warranty from the off which suggests Kia Picanto reliablity will be strong and that Kia has great faith in the smallest model in its range.