There are thousands of cars on sale in the UK at the moment that are being powered by all sizes of engines, while being propelled by different types of fuels.
However, the automotive world is meritocratic, and some cars are simply better than others. The Kia Picanto has been named in some lists as one of the best city cars to buy, very often coming in the top three of several publications' lists.
However, success is no guarantee of protection, as reports have suggested that Kia may opt out of replacing the effective city car.
According to Auto Express, the manufacturer has said that whilst the car is a good product, it might be too small to fit hybrid technology into, thus making it unfit for the growing electrification of Kia’s line-up.
The head of the global operations division at Kia told the renowned motoring publication that it was the engineering difficulties of squeezing extra electrical gubbins into the car that made it difficult.
However, they added that modifications would be made to ensure the popular city car would meet the latest Euro 7 emissions regulations and that the company would keep improving the car to keep up with the competition.
The Kia Picanto won’t be the first small city car at risk, with the Hyundai i10 also being discontinued. For other city cars that are slightly bigger, such as the Fiat 500, their end can be prolonged because they have enough space to fit hybrid systems.
The announcement comes four years before the next stage of the UK’s ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mandate. After 2030, all combustion engine powered cars must be fitted with some element of hybrid. By 2035, all new cars must be fully electric.
However, with the rate of change not keeping up with the government’s deadlines, there are concerns that the mandate will have to be pushed back to 2040.
Although the crisis in the Middle East has seen interest in electric cars skyrocket, the likes of the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) have warned change isn’t happening fast enough.
In a statement released with another batch of sales figures, one which marked the two millionth electric car sold in the UK, chief executive Mike Hawes poured a dump of perspective on the new figures.
He said: “April’s rebound is welcome, but underlines just how significantly fiscal changes can influence the market. Two million electric car registrations is a considerable milestone to celebrate, although natural demand is still well below the level demanded by the mandate.
“The mounting cost of compliance threatens to limit consumer choice, overall decarbonisation and the sector’s competitiveness so the need for a rapid review of the transition to align policy with market realities is unchanged, else Britain’s attractiveness as a vehicle market and manufacturing hub will be put at risk.”
