Follow me on either twitter or Instagram @DanielCalbacho

Four years on, and the second generation KIA Picanto has still got it: charm, cute looks, a frugal set of engines and a generous list of standard equipment levels.

This compact city slicker is more than just a great buy, for which it has been award the title, People's Wheels Awards for three years in a row (2011, 2012 and 2013), and has won numerous 'Best Buy' awards from multiple major publications. In fact, is has also won a list longer than my arm of various other awards assessing all aspects of the petit gems integrity.

We live in an age of ongoing change. We want: better, faster and cheaper. Cars these day have a six to eight year lifespan. To keep us happy, halfway through a car’s lifespan, cosmetic enhancements or facelifts are performed to keep up with the younger generation of contenders. It sounds like I’m taking about what goes on in “Tinsel Town” with the actors and actresses, doesn’t it? Well that how that car world works conversely.

KIA have a winning formula with their Picanto. It’s a global success, they have great sales from it and have received handsome accolades too. So why fiddle with a winning formula? Its half way through its life, that’s why. So, just like a starlet from Hollywood, the Picanto went in for some work, enhancements if you will - albeit very subtle.

The exterior most obvious features are new front and rear bumpers and a revised “tiger nose” grille. New fog lamp housings have been added to the front bumper, which function as daytime running lights. The front bumper has been designed to look as if it incorporates a front spoiler, contributing to a youthful sporty vibe.

The rear bumper incorporates a matte black lower edging, like that added to the KIA Rio, only it looks better on the little Picanto - this gives the car a utilitarian feel.

On the inside, the Picanto’s dashboard has a more modern facia surrounding the audio system.  Noteworthy interior endowments are most notably its list of impressive standard features: air-conditioning, retractable dual cup holders and sun visors with vanity mirrors, as well as AUX/iPod/USB connections for the radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility (the EX also sports steering wheel mounted controls and hands free Bluetooth®). The Picanto's radio system now also features RDS.

The 1.0 LX and 1.2 EX boast driver and passenger airbags. ABS antilock braking is standard on the 1.2 EX, as is an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system. Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert motorists behind you that the car is slowing rapidly. All models ship as standard with ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The Picanto is now available with a choice of ten exterior colours including Clear White, Bright Silver, Milky Beige, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Honey Bee, Signal Red, Alice Blue, Cherry Pink and Dazzling Blue, which is new to the range.

In manual guise, the Picanto 1.0 LX retails for R136 995, and the range topping 1.2 EX for R149 995. Automatic transmission is available on both derivatives for an additional R12 000. All derivatives ship as standard with a five year/150 000km warranty. A two year/45 000km optional service plan is also available.

When less, is actually more.

www.kiapicanto.co.za