Archive: 2026 - February

Is the Kia Picanto the Best Small Car for Drivers in Northern Ireland in 2026? For years, the small car market in the UK was easy to navigate. You had the usual suspects. Familiar names. Reliable favourites. But things have changed. The Ford Fiesta is no longer in production. The Hyundai i10 is reaching the end of its current lifecycle. Several manufacturers are shifting focus toward electric or larger crossovers. And yet, demand for small petrol cars hasn’t disappeared, particularly in places like Coleraine and across the North Coast. If anything, it’s become more specific. Drivers want something compact, economical, easy to park, affordable to insure, but still enjoyable to drive. That’s where the Kia Picanto enters the conversation.

Kia is the second best-selling car brand in the UK, following the announcement of the latest vehicle registration figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In a car market that’s constantly chasing the next big thing, the smallest cars are quietly disappearing. Rising costs, shifting regulations and a push towards electrification have seen many manufacturers step away from the city car segment altogether. And yet, one small car not only remains — it’s thriving. The Kia Picanto.

The Kia PV5 has won the ‘Van to Watch’ award at the Company Car & Van Awards, announced today, 19 January 2026.

The Kia Sportage led the way once again, becoming the second best-selling car in the UK with 47,788 registrations, while the new EV3 enjoyed a standout first full year and quickly became one of the UK’s top three best selling electric vehicles.

If you’re a Motability customer in Coleraine or the surrounding area, you might have noticed that local options have become more limited.

This month we’re celebrating one of our treasured members of the Roadside Family – Norman Ballance! At 78 years young, Norman is celebrating almost 60 years in the Northern Ireland motor trade. As one of the region’s most respected motor trade professionals, is remarkable career continues to inspire colleagues across the industry and here at Roadside (Garages) Limited.