” Going from a year in a 150 bhp Ford Focus Ecoboost to a 1.0 68 bhp Picanto could have been a culture shock. However, the first journey in the little Kia on a motorway proved to be a relief. Of course, it is noisier than the Focus, mainly because the smaller engine has to rev a lot higher, but it is bearable at any vaguely legal speed. The refinement means you are not reaching for a sixth gear that isn’t there: fifth gear provides decently refined cruising.
Monthly Archives: July 2012
Kia Picanto Long Term Test (review)
Growing support for smoking ban in cars
Plans to ban smoking in cars when children are present have won support in the House of Lords, but the measure would need support of MPs to become law. The private member’s bill proposed by Lord Ribeiro to make offenders liable for a £60 fine or attendance at a smoke awareness course was approved by peers, reported BBC News. The measure would need government support and David Cameron has questioned whether it is a justified move, suggesting it has severe implications for personal freedoms.
Colourful upgrades for the Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is undoubtedly the Italian brand’s most iconic car of modern times. And having just smashed the 100,000 sales mark in the UK, the city car has been updated with a range of new colours and upgraded interior trims that “better match the exterior” says Fiat.The colours are imaginatively named: we have Countrypolitan Yellow and New Age Cream solid paints, and Groove Metal Grey, Epic Blue, Chillout Purple and Idol Pink metallics.New chocolate brown/ivory fabric and grey/black fabric trim has also been introduced for the interior. New two-tone leather trims will be available at the end of the year, replacing the current leather finishes.
Food shopping and a driving licence?
Learner drivers can now start their examination at supermarkets, under government plans to reduce costs and make the test more accessible. Candidates will no longer have to travel to out-of-town test centres, and can instead meet an examiner at the store, reported The Sunday Times.
The trial is currently running at two Asda shops in Scotland, and the Driving Standards Agency which controls the test, says it hopes to roll it out nationally. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons may host tests too.
Off-road extravaganza at Beaulieu
Beaulieu Motor Museum is hosting its first ever day for 4×4 lovers, Simply 4×4, on Sunday 12 August. Owners and enthusiasts can lust over droves of traditional off-roaders Land Rovers, Jeep and Range Rovers alongside other models from classic 4x4s to new BMW SUVs.Owners can display their vehicles in the parkland while visitors without 4x4s are also welcome to enjoy the event.
