UK publication Which? Car has just published its annual reliability survey. Kia's Picanto, introduced in 2004, topped the list for reliability among cars up to three-years-old and was also one of the Top Five in the four to eight-years-old category.
Achieving a reliability score of 98.1%, the Kia Picanto beat off established rivals from Japanese and European brands to take this real-life reliability accolade.
Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive, Which?, said: "You don't expect a new car to go wrong - but our rigorous research shows there's a big difference between the best and worst.
"Some small cars, particularly Korean and Japanese superminis, run like clockwork. Whereas some bigger cars, which you might expect to be more robust, aren't all they're cracked up to be."
Kia Motors Ireland has sold nearly 300 Picanto models this year, with 40% of these sales coming from the Scrappage Scheme.
"This survey comes as no surprise to us," commented Managing Director, James Brooks.
"We always knew that the Picanto was a reliable and dependable car and with the introduction of our Seven-Year Warranty we have seen an increase of 57% in Picanto sales as customer priorities turn to both quality and affordability."
The Kia Picanto is available from €9,955 (€8,455 on the Government Scrappage Scheme).
