Picanto Is Best Small Car

Kiaâ€s all-new Picanto has done the hat-trick, being named Best Small Car by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers at their Car of the Year Awards in Glasgow.

Following on from the What Car? Green Awards win in the supermini segment and the Northern Group of Motoring Writerâ€s Car of the Year accolade, the Picanto has clearly won the hearts and minds of Britainâ€s motoring media this year.

Launched in five door form in June and joined just recently by the three-door version, the Picanto is available with two economical and flexible petrol engines – the remarkable 1.1 litre three cylinder Kappa and the more powerful 1.25 litre four-cylinder alternative.

ASMW President, John Murdoch said: “Superminis remain Scotlandâ€s biggest selling segment and 2011 has seem some cracking new arrivals boasting incredible economy coupled with low emissions. Not only is our top small car good to drive, easy to park, affordable to buy and cheap to run but itâ€s good looking and benefits from the quality feel of its larger siblings. Add in the choice of three or five door body styles and itâ€s clear to see the appeal.”

Kia Motors spokesperson commented: “Last year we were delighted when the Scottish Association awarded the overall title to the new Sportage and this recognition for Picanto simply emphasises just how Kia is bringing the right products to the market at the right time.

“With economic conditions not picking up, people are looking to down-size and want to stretch the domestic budget still further. Picanto does that for them and of course retail customers can be sure of our quality thanks to our unrivalled bumper to bumper and fully transferable seven year warranty,” he added.