Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia releases Picanto and Stonic special editions

Kia Picanto Zest and Stonic Maxx get unique colours and generous equipment lists, while Niro PHEV now offered in cheaper ‘2’ trim level

Kia has released special editions of both the Picanto city car and the Stonic crossover. Both are available to buy now, with the Picanto Zest priced at £12,650, and the Stonic Maxx starting from £19,055.

Standard equipment for the Picanto includes 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights at the front and LED units at the back, rear privacy glass, grey leather-effect upholstery. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes a reversing camera and smartphone integration through either Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ‘Lime Light’ metallic paint is also included as standard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best superminis to buy

The spec list puts the Zest roughly in line with the Picanto X-Line trim, but while that model is only available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, the zest is 1.0-litre only. The 66bhp unit is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a standard start/stop system, resulting in CO2 emissions of 102g/km. A group 5 insurance rating should help to keep running costs down.

The Stonic Maxx is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 118bhp. It’s combined with a six-speed manual gearbox or, for an extra £1,000, a seven-speed automatic.

The Maxx is set apart from the rest of the Stonic range thanks to its red-on-white paint finish and graphite-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels. Elsewhere, the likes of rear privacy glass, faux-leather interior, a reversing camera and satin chrome door handles complete the extras.

Meanwhile, Kia has expanded the Niro PHEV range, by making the petrol/electric plug-in powertrain available on the entry-level ‘2’ model. That means that prices for the Niro PHEV now start from £30,265 - £1,680 less than before. Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloys, heated door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, leather/cloth upholstery, and an eight-inch touchscreen which features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera.

Do you like these new special editions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
13 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025
New Kia PV5 WAV fills gap in market for electric wheelchair accessible cars
New Kia PV5 WAV - front end with wheelchair

New Kia PV5 WAV fills gap in market for electric wheelchair accessible cars

New PV5 WAV shows platform possibilities, as traditional converters struggle with EV transition
News
13 May 2025

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025