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

Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution
Kia EV3 - front action

Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution

The technology, developed by Scottish firm Dukosi, can provide car battery health data down to the single-cell level
News
9 Oct 2025
New Kia EV2 "for Europe" coming early 2026
Kia EV2 Concept - front

New Kia EV2 "for Europe" coming early 2026

Earlier concept will morph into new electric supermini in 2026, with fashionable SUV styling and roomy cabin
News
3 Oct 2025
The new Kia PV7 will be 10 vans rolled into one!
Kia PV7 concept front 3/4

The new Kia PV7 will be 10 vans rolled into one!

Funky-looking Kia PV5 will be joined by larger PV7 and PV9 vans, but they’ll have a trick up their sleeves…
News
1 Oct 2025
9 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aiming to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - September 2025 header image

9 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aiming to take the 4x4 market by storm

Thought SUVs couldn't be cool? Here are some forthcoming contenders that should have the grunt – and the looks
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2025

Most Popular

Britain’s catalytic converter theft epidemic is nearly over
Mazda RX-8 catalytic converter

Britain’s catalytic converter theft epidemic is nearly over

Exclusive Auto Express data has revealed that catalytic converter thefts fell by an average of 98 per cent over the past three years – but criminals a…
News
17 Oct 2025
400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless
Opinion - Volvo XC40 Recharge

400bhp family SUVs have become common in the EV era, but they're completely pointless

Editor Paul Barker thinks new car firms don't have heritage behind them, so power figures and straight line speed are an easy way to grab headlines
Opinion
15 Oct 2025
MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?
MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y - front tracking

MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?

Should Tesla be worried by MG’s arrival in premium territory? Our M25 trip sets the scene for head-to-head
Car group tests
18 Oct 2025