They say the best things come in small packages and compact cars don’t come much better packaged than the new Kia Picanto.The new generation of the Korean carmaker’s popular urban runaround is all grown up. The 5-door Class B car sports a 1200cc engine (the previous version was 1100) and is about two inches longer. The rounded lines have been replaced by a sportier sculpted design that will appeal to younger drivers and it now carries the distinctive “Tiger Nose” grille that has been incorporated into all Kia cars.Not only does it look different, it feels different too. There’s more room, more zip in the drive and, as you’d expect from a car this size, the handling is excellent, and it’s a doddle to park. The steering is light and not over powered and the automatic gear changes are smooth, making the Picanto as fun to drive as ever.The interior is simple and unpretentious as you’d expect from a car in this class but as with all Kia cars, everything is well made, comfortable and feels built to last. Seat coverings come with cloth, leather or combination options.There are plenty of other standard creature comforts that you don’t always find on more expensive cars, such as iPod and USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, remote audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel to answer and end calls without taking your eyes off the road.Other neat touches include cup holders that light up, helping you avoid spilling that late-night coffee, and LED lights that pop on when the vanity mirrors on the sun visors are flipped open handy for those last-minute lipstick touch-ups as you head out on the town.There’s plenty of substance as well as style to the Picanto, especially when it comes to safety and stability. For example, the emergency stop signal not only immediately activates the brake lights when you hit the brakes in an emergency but flashes them three times to warn other drivers. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) detects wheel speed and steering angle when you apply the brakes and delivers the right pressure to each wheel to help you keep control and slow down safely.Front, side and curtain airbags come as standard, along with seatbelt pretensioners and the Hill Start Assist Control will come in handy next time you pull away from a standing start halfway up Chaingate Hill.The new Picanto will broaden the model’s already wide appeal with local consumers, according to Bermuda Motors sales associate Derrick Simons. “It’s an excellent choice for people looking to downsize if their kids have grown up or for young people looking for their first car,” he said. “It’s a good price and being a B class vehicle, the licensing is a lot cheaper a lot of young drivers don’t always take that into account when they’re buying.”To borrow a line from Kia’s marketing campaign, the Picanto is indeed “small yet mighty”.The Class B Kia Picanto is priced from $21,000 and is available from Bermuda Motors, Church Street East, Hamilton. Call 292-0893 or visit www.bermudamotors.bm