Richard Yarrow’s opinion for www.startrescue.co.uk, providing low cost Breakdown Cover.
Last mention of the Geneva Motor Show, I promise, but it provided yet more evidence that Kia is a company to be reckoned with. I’ve written before how much of a fan I am of the Korean firm’s recent vehicles, such as the Sportage, Sorento, Cee’d and Venga. Kia used the Swiss show to take the wraps off new versions of the Picanto city car
(pictured) and Rio supermini. These are massively important because they are the two smallest vehicles in the firm’s range. If Kia gets them right, they will sell by the bucketload to people who want simple, honest motoring.
Forget their predecessors; they were part of the previous generation of products, had forgettable designs and lacked much in the way of appeal. I wouldn’t be seen dead in them either. But these two are stylish, well-equipped with features that people care about, and will be well-priced in comparison to rivals. You’ve just got to get over the badge, which I appreciate can still be a struggle for some motorists. There’s no doubt people make judgements about you based on what you drive. Let them. Buy one of these little beauties and anyone who knows anything about cars will think you a very smart cookie.
Don’t just take my word for it; go buy a motoring magazine and see what my colleagues are saying. A senior member of staff at buying guide What Car? said: “Kia has added extra desirability to its range of cars, in terms of showroom appeal and low running costs. Picanto and Rio continue the emergence of Kia as a force to be reckoned with, as seen over the last 18-24 months.”
Can't argue with that.
Breakdown Cover from 
