BACK in the mists of automotive time, small cars were pretty much utilitarian affairs, with Spartan interiors.

It was bare-bones motoring, and if more equipment was your goal, a move up the motoring pecking-order was required to larger models.

Well, that was then. Now you can find city cars - one step down in size from traditional superminis - with a level of kit that would have been sheer fantasy all those years ago.

One marque that really stands out for its generous level of kit is Kia. And the South Korean manufacturer’s smallest model, the Picanto, now in its third-generation, is as well blessed with features as many a car higher up the scale.

Weekend Wheels spent a week in the all-new Picanto, a sporty,-looking GT-Line S, with equipment including: 16-inch alloy wheels, sports front and rear bumpers and side sills, a dual exhaust, black and red faux leather seats, a supervision instrument cluster, electric folding mirrors with LED indicators, satin chrome interior door handles, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, bi-function projection headlamp units, LED daytime running lamps and rear lights, a chrome beltline strip and stainless steel pedals with non-slip rubber inserts.

The list goes on, with a wireless phone charger, an electric sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, a smart key and push-button engine start/stop, rear parking camera and sensors, a dual-height boot floor, luggage net and hooks and a driver’s-side illuminated vanity mirror. The GT-Line S also has a seven-inch, centre-mounted ‘floating’ touchscreen, giving access to the navigation, infotainment and connectivity systems, which include integration with Kia Connected Services. The car makes for a pleasant drive, with responsive handling, and the normally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearchange, produces 83bhp, which brings 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 107mph. Fuel economy is 61.4mpg (combined)

The five-door car is no longer or wider than its predecessor, but there is more front head, leg and shoulder room than in the previous model, with largely unchanged space in the rear. Generous room for driver and passengers means that boot space is limited, but this tends to come with the territory in city cars.

The Picanto’s level of fit and finish is excellent. Factor in the assurance of a seven-year warranty and this little car is big on appeal. Price: £12,450 OTR