City Car of the Year: Why the Kia Picanto Still Makes Sense
City Car of the Year: Why the Kia Picanto Still Makes Sense
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, and it’s thriving.
The Kia Picanto, crowned ‘City Car of the Year’ at the Auto Express New Car Awards, is one of the smartest small car choices on the road today.
The Auto Express New Car Awards are among the most respected accolades in the automotive industry. Judged by a panel of seasoned experts, the awards recognise vehicles they most confidently recommend, based on price, efficiency, safety, connectivity, reliability and driving experience.
Out of more than 30 competitive categories, the Picanto emerged on top of the city car class, impressing judges with its blend of usability, refinement and value.
Auto Express Editor Paul Barker summed it up perfectly:
“The recent revamp of Kia’s smallest model reminded us why we love small cars so much. The Picanto is fun, but also feels grown up on the open road, so isn’t a car that has to stay in urban confines."
Small doesn’t mean basic
Modern city cars often get unfairly labelled as “compromise cars”. The Picanto proves otherwise. Despite its compact footprint, it delivers a driving experience that feels confident and composed, not just around town, but on faster roads too.
Inside, the Picanto offers impressive connectivity, intuitive controls and the kind of comfort you’d expect from much larger vehicles. It’s practical, cleverly packaged and reassuringly easy to live with.
A rare breed in today’s market
With well-known small cars disappearing from the line-up, the Picanto stands out as one of the last great petrol-powered city cars still available. For drivers who aren’t ready to go electric the Picanto remains a refreshingly straightforward choice.
Affordable, efficient and now officially award-winning, the Kia Picanto proves that small cars still have a big role to play.