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

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon 30/06/26

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond

Here are the most important new cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
30 Jun 2026
New Kia EV1 to arrive in 2028, and Hyundai Ioniq 1 won’t be far behind
Kia EV1 - front (watermarked)

New Kia EV1 to arrive in 2028, and Hyundai Ioniq 1 won’t be far behind

The Renault Twingo rival will use a bespoke EV architecture that’s being jointly developed by Kia and Hyundai
News
20 May 2026
Vision Meta Turismo is a Kia EV8 of the future
New Kia Vision Meta Turismo concept - front angled

Vision Meta Turismo is a Kia EV8 of the future

It’s yet to be signed off, but Kia’s design team has high hopes for this spacious electric saloon car
News
22 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

Most Popular

New Freelander 8's interior is an incredible screen-fest
New Freelander 8 - front

New Freelander 8's interior is an incredible screen-fest

Auto Express has confirmed the Freelander 8 will come to the UK in 2027… just don’t call it a Land Rover
News
10 Jul 2026
Massive cuts at Volkswagen Group under plan to reduce car models by 50%
VW being built

Massive cuts at Volkswagen Group under plan to reduce car models by 50%

Problems mount up for German giant, as it is forced into making big changes in order to remain competitive
News
10 Jul 2026
New BYD Dolphin G arrives in the UK for a huge £6k less than key rivals
BYD Dolphin G Goodwood

New BYD Dolphin G arrives in the UK for a huge £6k less than key rivals

The BYD Dolphin G supermini gets big-car technology, with all versions costing less than £30,000
News
10 Jul 2026

Find a car with the experts