New Kia Picanto is cleaner and faster

There's a new Kia on the block, and it's promising it won't just be better to drive, but cheaper too.

The second generation Picanto supermini also receives improved styling, and a better quality, more spacious interior.

Available with a choice of brand-new 1.0-litre 68bhp and 1.25-litre 84bhp petrol engines the Picanto is capable of returning combined fuel economy figures of 67.3mpg and 60.1mpg. When selected with manual gearboxes both models produce less than 110g/km of CO2.

The larger 1.25-litre engine is also available with Kia's fuel saving EcoDynamics ISG stop/start system, or, alternatively an automatic transmission. Improvements in performance have also led to heavily reduced 0-60mph times across the range.

Four trim grades separate the range including the Picanto 1, 1 Air (with A/C), 2 and 3. Standard features include a total of six airbags and 60:40 split folding rear seats providing up to 870 litres of luggage space.

The Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth, USB & AUX iPod ports, air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14" alloy wheels, front fog-lights, leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm, black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing.

Selecting the top of the range Picanto 3 adds automatic air conditioning, heated fornt seats, a six speaker stereo, 15" alloy wheels, body coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and special LED rear lights.

All Picantos carry Kia's seven year or 100,000 transferable mile warranty.