• Minor tweaks for the facelift
• New wheel, lots of equipment
• Plenty of physical switchgear

How is the quality and layout?

Compared to most of the cars I’ve driven this year, it’s a symphony of user-friendliness. Unlike the latest cars from Ford and Volkswagen, the cabin is littered with traditional push buttons – and that means you don’t need to tear your attention away from the road to operate the climate control or adjust the radio. I found it immensely refreshing.

Quality is good overall. The dashboard materials aren’t what you’d call luxurious, but they’re hard-wearing. That means the interior should stay looking fresh – even once it’s been subjected to the rigours of busy city life. It’s certainly the equal of the Toyota Aygo X, and feels a far more substantial than a Suzuki Ignis.

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The cabin is oppressively monochrome, though. You’re sat in a dingy sea of black plastic, with only the grey seat inserts on higher-spec models offering visual respite. I do like the new steering wheel, though. It’s been robbed from Kia’s larger models and, because you’re always using it, it makes the cabin feel that little bit more upmarket.

Infotainment and technology

Every version of the facelifted Kia Picanto gets an 8.0-inch infotainment system. It’s mounted high on the dashboard, right within your sightline, which makes it easy to read navigation instructions off. You also get wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a wireless smartphone charger on top-spec models.

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The Leapmotor T03 infotainment system has slightly sharper graphics, but the Picanto’s screen compensates for that by being easier to use. Its menu design is more logical, and the screen controls far fewer functions making it far less daunting to use.

Comfort

• Surprisingly adjustable driving position
• Front seats are quite accommodating
• Would benefit from a little more support

You’re never going to get executive car levels of comfort from a car this small, but the Picanto puts on a good show. The seats are well padded and surprisingly adjustable. Plus, if you opt for the GT-Line S, you get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. That’s a huge benefit in the winter.

I’d have preferred it if the front seats had some more lumbar support, and I thought it was a shame that the steering wheel only adjusted for rake and not reach. But I soon got used to sitting closer to the wheel, just like my old Mini. And besides, you can’t really argue with the amount of comfort the Picanto offers for its size. Crucially, it’s no worse than the Aygo X or the T03.

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Another thing worth mentioning is that the Picanto’s rear windows roll all the way down, unlike the Aygo X’s which makes do with stifling pop-outs. That’s great on a hot day and makes the rear of the car feel a little less like a greenhouse.