SOME facelift models are little more than hype. Their manufacturers will claim they have undergone 5,046 changes - most of which are unaccounted for.

With a cosmetic tweak here and there, and a 0.2 per cent increase in horsepower, these cars vie for attention like a 1989 beauty queen in a 2007 pageant.

So, it is refreshing when a brand as unassuming as Kia comes along with a facelift that works.

The car hits the spot on several fronts. Firstly, its new 'inverted commas' headlights set at the end of a new bonnet and atop a more rotund front bumper. They give the car an even younger feel than the cute pre-facelift original.

Its overall jellybean shape is accentuated by a more pronounced rear bumper. The car is 4cm longer by virtue of its bumper-works.

Inside, the centre console is angled more towards the driver, like in a premium sporty model. Instrument gauges are also refreshed.

The cabin is still pretty utilitarian, but conveys a build quality that is a notch above what you might expect of a car in this price segment.

The changes work, especially the restyled headlights which almost give the Kia a huggable personality.

But what's entirely unexpected is its shedding of 70kg despite its 'fattened' look. The weight loss is substantial for a subcompact (it is equivalent to a Rolls-Royce Phantom losing 200kg). It is largely attributable to changes to the steering and transmission systems. Hydraulic parts have been replaced by lighter electrical bits.

Tipping the scales at under 900kg, the Picanto feels zippier and totally adequate on the highways and the byways.

It takes about a second less to get to 100kmh than the pre-facelift version, but you will still need to change down often to get the best from its wallet-friendly engine.

A car this size is often easy to manoeuvre and fuel-efficient, but not always roomy. The Picanto lets you have your cake and eat it too. Its second row will accommodate two adults or three children with space to spare.

However, its stowage area is tiny when all seats are occupied.

Mechanically, the Kia is smoother than you expect. Its stick shift is slick, working seamlessly with a soft clutch (which has more free play than ideal) and eager throttle.

Its brakes have a substantial feel to them, unlike the Chinese cars nibbling at its heels.

The only quarrel you might have with the car is its rather austere equipment level. At a starting price of $41,999 (from once as low as $36,000), the base model does not come with electrically adjustable wing mirrors or remote keys.

And a door on the test-car needs to be slammed to close completely.

But you know what? Those adorable eyes will simply melt your heart. They alone will almost guarantee that Kia's first small car will retain its status as a sleeper hit.

KIA PICANTO 1.1 M
Price: From $41,999 with COE
Engine: 1,086cc 12-valve inline-4
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Power: 65bhp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 97Nm at 2,800rpm
0-100kmh: 15.1 seconds
Top speed: 154kmh
Fuel consumption: 6.2 litres/100km (city)
Agent: Cycle & Carriage