The latest Kia Picanto, like the rest of the range is a good example of the South Korean company's renaissance over the last few years.
Underneath, the Picanto and i10 might share some mechanicals, but in terms of exterior and interior styling, the Kia and Hyundai couldn't be more different.
Outside, the Kia looks sleek and modern with the large headlights set high at the front, the upward crease that houses the door handles at the side, plus the distinctive boomerang-like rear lights and over-sized rear window at the back.
Inside, the attractive well-designed cabin and lighter plastic trim go together to give the interior of the Picanto a far classier feel than the i10. However, on closer look, the plastic and trim finishes won't worry the Volkswagen Group - yet.
Well at least there's plenty of standard kit in the range-topping Picanto 3 model we have here and the reassurance of that 7-year warranty.
The Kia's interior space is easily a match for the Hyundai. Although, strangely the boot is smaller at just 200 litres.
The 1.25-litre petrol Picanto we have here accelerates well and is a smooth operator, but it needs to be worked hard to get the best out of it.
There's some body roll in corners with the Kia, but no lack of grip. We just wish the ride was softer and there was more steering feel to help what is a competent package.
We also found the sharp, over-servoed brakes and the short-travel clutch make stop-start city driving a bit of a chore.
That makes the sister-car i10 the better choice for drivers who enjoy driving, though the Picanto has the edge when it comes to the interior.
Kia Picanto 1.25 3
Price: £11,195
Engine: 1.2-litre, four-cylinder
Power: 84bhp, 120Nm
Max speed: 106mph
0-60mph: 11s
MPG: 60.1mpg Emissions:109g/km
Verdict: There's no doubt the Picanto looks and feels more modern than the i10, but the Hyundai offers the less compromised driving experience.
