If you're on the verge of buying your first new car, you're probably facing quite a conundrum when looking at what's available on the entry-level of the market. With so many options out there vying for your attention and your hard-earned cash,

it's a tough job choosing one that's just right for you. One stands out for their looks, another because it complements your personality, yet another for its value proposition – none doing all three at once. Until now, that is, thanks to Kia's brand new Picanto.

The first-generation Picanto was an extremely popular little run-about and one of the best-selling models in the local Kia line-up. The new Picanto, launched to the local media this week, is not only a continuation of Kia's radical refreshment of its model offering, but also a marked step forward for the Picanto as a brand. We had quite a chuckle at the company's very prominent usage of the word 'awesome' to describe the new car, but most were in agreement after driving it.

Visually the Picanto represents a huge step forward. Ascribing to Kia's latest design language, as penned by Peter Schreyer, the Picanto combines Kia's new 'tiger nose' with crisp lines and sharp detailing, in the process moving it from a small, round and slightly feminine city car to a sporty, dynamic and decidedly funky car that, I believe, most people would be happy to be seen in. It really is one of the freshest designs in the A-segment, with ten different colours to kit it out with (eight of which are metallic). For many first-time buyers, it's looks would be sufficient reason to buy one, but there's thankfully much more to it.

The Picanto range now comprises three models, progressing from the entry-level model to an LX specification and a range-topping EX specification, each level sporting a solid list of spec. At the base, a radio/CD player, an AUX/iPod/USB connection, manual air-conditioning, an under-floor trunk storage box, retractable dual cup holders, sun visors with mirrors, power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a 12V power outlet, a driver's airbag, ISOFIX anchors, keyless entry and remote central locking are to be found on all three models as standard, as is a gear-shift indicator (on the manual models) that will assist in driving more economically.

The LX specification adds a passenger seat storage tray, a rear window wiper, front fog lights, automatic light control with 'welcome home'-mode, door handles in body colour, front electric windows and a front passenger airbag. The EX model adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth on top, as well as 14-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and grille detailing, electric rear windows, electric door mirrors, two tweeter audio speakers in the dash-top, ABS brakes with EBD and Emergency Stop Signal, which flashes the brake lights three times under emergency braking circumstances. An electric sunroof is available as an option on the EX.

Solid is actually a great word to describe the Picanto, especially once you get behind the wheels. The interior is also latest-generation Kia and features fantastic detailing that echoes the exterior styling and the 'tiger nose' trademark. Keeping in mind that the Picanto is an entry-level car and that premium quality soft-touch plastics are unheard of at this price level, I was impressed with the cabin's finishing. The plastics used are of a tangibly high quality and put together solidly, with good ergonomics to boot.

Powering the Picanto is a choice of two petrol engines with DOHC and dual CVVT from the Kappa family. Put to use in the entry-level and LX Picanto, the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine is a brand new powerplant that develops 51 kW of power at 6 200 r/min and 94 Nm of torque at 3 500 r/min. It accelerates the Picanto to 100km/h in 14.3 seconds and allows a top speed of 155 km/h. It's frugal as well, with Kia claiming an average consumption of 4.9-litres/100km and 117 g/km.

In the tops-spec EX model, a 1.2-litre is employed, giving the car 65 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 120 Nm at 4 000 r/min – enough to get to 100km/h in 11.6 seconds and on to 169 km/h. Equally frugal, the slight bigger engine offers 5.0-litres/100km and 119 g/km. All three models feature five-speed manual gearboxes, while a four-speed automatic is available as an option.

Probably the most awesome part of the already-impressive Picanto package is Kia's extremely competitive pricing. The entry-level model, for example, comes in at R99 995, while the 1.0 LX retails for a mere R107 995 and the top-spec 1.2 EX for an astounding R114 995. These prices include a 5-year/100 000km warranty and 3 years worth of roadside assistance, while a service plan is available as an option.

Compared to its competitors in the A segment, the new Picanto, like all the latest Kia products in their respective segments, are incredibly well priced. The Picanto 1.2 EX, for example, is priced R500 below the entry-level Chevrolet Spark, the 1.2 L, while the higher-specced Spark 1.2 LS retails for a whopping R128 495 – this from a car with less power, less torque, higher fuel consumption and higher emissions.

You'll find similar shortcomings on the Citroën C1 (R111 500 to R118 500), the Daihatsu Charade 1.0 Celebrity (R119 995), Fiat Punto and Panda (R105 500 to R128 901), Ford Figo 1.4 (R116 080 to R130 080), Peugeot 107 (R112 500 to R123 500), Renault Sandero (R104 900 to R124 900), Suzuki Alto (R104 900 to R119 900), Toyota Aygo (R112 100 to R122 500) and Volkswagen Polo Vivo (R104 065 for a 3-door, up to R127 465). Its only real competition comes from Hyundai's recently refreshed i10, which is similarly priced between R99 900 and R109 900, and the latest Nissan Micra, priced between R108 400 and R127 500.

Considering that the C1, 107, Aygo, Charade, Punto and Panda are at the end of their lifespan, and that the Figo and the Vivo are merely new interpretations of equally old cars, the options are suddenly less if you want a flashy new car. While the Alto, Spark, i10 and Micra are extremely worthy and capable competition, the new Picanto trumps them all. It has the freshest and most striking styling, matches the personality and lifestyle requirements of its target market and gives you the most bang for your buck. It quite simply is awesome and its competitors should be worried.