2008 Kia Picanto LX review from Spain

Nothing.

Goes slower than James May.

Having arrived in Spain expecting to climb into a Corsa, I was amazed to see this little shy puppy sitting in our parking bay! Its golden tan shining in the Spanish sunlight, and its weepy little eyes peering out from the shadows of its shelter.

First thing you notice is that you would struggle to put a baguette in the boot, so sales must be low in France? The back seat ends up being a luggage overflow to compensate for the lack of space availability in the trunk!

Compared to the Nissan Micra, the interior is almost space age, and the air con did nothing to effect the enthusiasm of the hamster under the bonnet; it was painfully slow with or without air con, reassuring when you know that Ronda is sitting at 5,000 above sea level.

The steering was a delight, and the drivers seat the most comfortable I have sat in to date, and having driven 30,000 miles a year since 1980, I've tried a few.

The tank held 45 euro worth of sin plomb, and the mighty acorn managed to cover 900 KM before its tongue fell out of the bonnet and dragged on the scorched Spanish highway. Having seen the warning light for approx 20KM before stopping at a watering hole, I would imagine I could have pushed it further if we had been going down a rock face!

If you're hoping to break any landspeed records, this is not the car for you, but if you're on the run from a very angry tortoise with asthma, you're in with a chance if you get a start!

All in all, a great little fun car and the embarrassment of being passed by the odd donkey soon fades into the sunset.