Kia Picanto

Let’s be honest, very few of us like being handed the keys to a bargain basement hire car.

But wait a minute, suppose you think it’s going to be the low point of you week maybe, just maybe you might be in for a surprise.

SixT at Belfast look like they’ve a monopoly on poverty spec Picantos, and that’s what came my way on a recent trip to Ireland.

Wheel Trims – not alloys ugh.

Flat boring RED paint.  No it doesn’t make it look like a Ferrari.

Small 3 cylinder engine!

Guess what, this thing seems to have peppy performance.

I’m struggling to keep below the speed limit going up a steep hill on the motorway.

Inside it’s all clean and tidy.

The seats are fine.

Gearbox and clutch seem to work well.

That engine, why it doesn’t seem to use nay petrol at all!

Okay the boot could be bigger, but it’s pretty good for a car with such a small footprint.

So would I want one myself?

Quite honestly, if I could bag one of the GT lIne versions with metallic paint I’d love one.

It’s  almost like a modern version of the beloved AVIS rentals of my youth – Doom Blue Mini Metros.  They looked like they’d disappoint, but in truth they were great fun to drive.

Lastly it’s a cute enough car to earn a nickname.

I’d call mine KPI – key performance indicator.  It’s that good – it beats all expectations.

The NEW Micra

I’ll keep it short and sweet.

The latest version of the Micra is considerably bigger than the previous model, and the ones that preceded that.

I like the fact that Nissan tried to address the shortcomings of the old model, and made a real effort to make this one look different.

Let’s start with the GOOD points.

1. Spacious
2. Well Equipped (for a small car)
3. Comfortable

Then there’s the BAD points.

1. Gutless performance
2. Noisy when above 50 mph
3. Burning clutch smell when accelerating

Here’s the billion dollar question.

Would I buy one with my own money?

Not a chance, and that comes from someone who bought one new in 1995, and 1999.

For the money a Kia Picanto feels far more lively, and offers a better all round package.