YOU don't need to spend a fortune or have massive power under the bonnet to enjoy the pleasures of the open road.

I've just been driving a variety of Kia products in the Borders ranging from the excellent Sportage to the all-electric funky Soul and the practical and stylish ProCeed but the little Picanto proved to be a great companion on the twisting roads.

It may be a city car but the Picanto shined in the country with enough power to enjoy the drive and view the lovely scenery.

The Picanto has been really popular in the UK since it first arrived back in 2004 and in all its generations it has now notched over 250,000 sales.

Prices start from £13,665 and it offers a surprising amount of space and style for that money.

A substantial revamp is planned for next year but the current model has bags of character and style.

It may be small but the Picanto has attitude and the 2 version came with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

It could complete the 0-62mph dash in 14.1 seconds, has a top speed of 100mph. On the economy front it can return up to 67.3mpg, with a combined figure of 58.9mpg and emissions of 110g/km.

Despite its compact dimensions the Picanto has enough room for four adults and the boot is big enough for the weekly shop.

The three-pot engine really enjoys being pushed along at high revs and the excellent visibility and impressive grip combine to put a smile on your face.

Easyto park and weave in and out of traffic make it ideal for busy town centres but it will also cruise nicely at motorway speeds.

Features include body coloured bumpers, LED daytime running lights, tinted glass, rear LED lights, front and rear fog lights, a black radiator grille with silver surrounds, plus smart 14-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is modern and clutter-free with comfortable cloth seats anda good amount of tech.

There is full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with musicstreaming, air conditioning, and a four-speaker sound system with DAB.

The leather steering wheel feels nice and theboot can handle 255 litres of luggage and this increases to 1,010 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat.

Most bumps and rough surfaces are smoothed out bytheefficient suspension togive the occupants a comfortable ride.

Safety specifications also impress with forward collision avoidance, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, Isofix fixtures and a full suite of airbags all included.