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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia Seltos to arrive in the UK with hybrid and e-AWD power
Kia Seltos - front

Kia Seltos to arrive in the UK with hybrid and e-AWD power

More information about the striking new Kia Seltos has been revealed
News
15 Apr 2026
New Kia EV1: electric city car confirmed for 2027
Kia EV1 - front (watermarked)

New Kia EV1: electric city car confirmed for 2027

CEO reveals plans for a new Renault Twingo rival by 2027, confirming our recent city-car scoop
News
9 Apr 2026
Kia Sportage and Sorento petrol SUVs to continue despite brand's 100k EV sales milestone
Kia Sportage UK - front cornering

Kia Sportage and Sorento petrol SUVs to continue despite brand's 100k EV sales milestone

Kia's hybrid SUVs will be given a stay of execution, but UK boss says he’s prepared to restrict supply as appropriate
News
9 Apr 2026
Kia EV2 review
Alastair Crooks with the Kia EV2

Kia EV2 review

Cool styling, an efficient powertrain, surprising space - the Kia EV2 is a solid new entry in the small EV market
In-depth reviews
1 Apr 2026

Most Popular

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV
Jaecoo 5 SHS-S - front tracking

New Jaecoo 5 SHS-S finally means hybrid power for this compact SUV

Chery’s latest hybrid powertrain brings the Jaecoo 5 SUV bang up to date
News
15 Apr 2026
Long-term test: Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+
Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ - Mk1 with new car

Long-term test: Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+

Second report: What a difference 20 years make in the life of popular SUV
Long-term tests
15 Apr 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!
Phil McNamara with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: EV hatch gets massive update, Golf-a-like look and lots of buttons!

The new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo EV banishes the quirkiness of its predecessor with a less cartoonish look and smarter tech
News
15 Apr 2026

Find a car with the experts