KIA BOOST

It’s not quite a hot hatch or even a warm one, but Kia has dropped the most powerful engine ever into its small Picanto city car. That is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo that produces 99bhp and propels the little Kia to 112mph and from 0-62mph in 9.8sec.

Fun isn’t, and never has been, related to horsepower (as owners of old Mini Coopers well know), so 99bhp is not to be laughed at.

The new engine is available in GT-Line and GT-Line S models, which both feature larger sports bumpers and red highlights plus a rear diffuser and twin exhaust tailpipes.

Prices kick off at £13,320 for the GT-Line and £14,720 for the S.