Following the arrival of the Picanto in Kia showrooms last year, the range is now complete with the debut of the flagship 1.0 T-GDi engine. The new powerplant develops 99bhp and 171Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Picanto ever. It can accelerate to 60mph in just 9.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 112mph.

The latest engine to join the Picanto range is available exclusively in ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grades and further broadens the appeal of Kia’s city car.

Larger sports bumpers and red highlights within the upper grille, side air intakes and side sills deliver a sporting edge, with the dynamic look completed by a rear diffuser, twin exhaust tailpipes and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres.

Bi-function projection headlights deliver a racier look, alongside LED daytime running lights at the front and LED lamps at the rear. Inside, the sporty appearance continues with black and red faux leather upholstery, stainless-steel pedals and satin chrome interior door handles. ‘GT-Line S’ models also feature an electric sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a smart key with engine start/stop button and cruise control with speed limiter, while satellite navigation, Kia Connected Services with TomTom and a wireless mobile phone charger are also standard.

Prices start at £13,320 for the ‘GT-Line’ model, with the ‘GT-Line S’ version costing £14,720. The new powerplant already exceeds the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions regulations, with CO₂ emissions of 117g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 55.4mpg.