THE latest Kia Picanto, which was introduced in 2017, is very well built and delightfully easy to drive while offering low emissions and excellent 50-plus fuel economy.

It also comes with one of the best warranties on the market - seven years or 100,000 miles -some of which will be transferable to any buyer.

Equipment levels are excellent compared to some other small cars and although there is room for four in fair comfort, the boot is still a reasonable size.

It's a good looking small car that comes with low running costs and an excellent reputation for reliability.

There is only a single, practical five door body and just three engine options, the lower two of which have to be pressed up the rev range to give of their best.

That said, out on the open road they are all refined and quiet, giving the impression of a larger car.

Those engines - all petrol - are a 1.0-litre with 67bhp, a 1.2 with 83 and the same 1.0-litre with an added turbo, which has 99.

The 1.0-litre takes a sedate 14.1 seconds to get from standstill to 60 miles an hour and is capable of 60 miles per gallon.

The 1.2 ups power to 83bhp, and brings the benchmark acceleration down to 11.6 seconds. But economy is also down at 54mpg.

The 1.0T turbo is only available in upper models like the GT Line, but is capable of 57mpg while delivering a warm hatch-like sub 10 seconds for the 60 miles an hour sprint.

All have a five speed gearbox as standard, but there is also an automatic available on the two lower order cars.

The 67bhp and to some extent the 1.2 are best suited to town driving, but both can hold their own over longer journeys on the motorway or off.

The upright stance gives good interior space although there are only four seats with belts.

Inside, everything feels well finished and thought out, All the controls are placed just right and higher end models have a seven inch infotainment touch screen at the top of the centre console, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upper grade models are even available with keyless entry and starting, a rearview camera, climate control and even heated seats and steering wheel.

Anyone looking for a first car, simply good value for money, or for something that's very cheap to run, should certainly include the Picanto in their list of possibles.

As city cars go, it's right up there with the offerings from established European producers, and private sale prices for four year old examples are down as low as £4,400.

At a dealer, pay about £5,700 for a '17 17-reg 1.0-litre in ‘2' trim, or £9,000 for a 1.2 litre GT-Line.