New Kia Picanto and Stonic special editions unveiled

• Picanto Zest and Stonic Maxx models on sale now
• New entry-level ‘2’ version of Niro plug-in hybrid
• All three cars have lots of equipment as standard

Kia has launched the Kia Picanto Zest and Kia Stonic Maxx, two new special-edition models that come in bright paint colours and a high specification. The company has also introduced an entry-level ‘2’ version of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid for 2020. All three models are available to order now.

Picanto Zest models are marked out by their ‘Lime Light’ metallic paint, which comes as standard. Other equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels and a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera. Grey faux leather upholstery and front fog lights also feature, alongside LED daytime running lights and rear lights, and privacy glass. This version is offered with the 66bhp 1.0-litre engine and costs £12,650.

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The Kia Stonic range now features the special-edition Maxx once again; it’s been reintroduced after proving popular last summer. This time around, it has white paintwork with a red roof, and comes with Kia’s 118bhp 1.0-litre engine and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Prices start from £19,055 for the manual, while choosing the automatic gearbox costs £1,000 extra.

Choose this specification and you’ll get exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels in a graphite finish, plus tinted rear windows and black faux leather seats. Just like on the Picanto Zest, there are LED brake light clusters and a reversing camera.

Kia has also started the new year by introducing a new entry-level Niro PHEV. The Kia Niro PHEV in ‘2’ trim costs £30,265, which is £1,680 less than the ‘3’ model. Although it’s the least expensive Niro PHEV, the ‘2’ includes front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, alloy wheels, part-leather upholstery, two-zone automatic air-con and electric heated door mirrors. An eight-inch touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard, and features a digital radio and Apple and Android smartphone compatibility.

Just like the other Niro models, the ‘2’ gets a range of safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and forward collision avoidance.

See where the Kia Stonic places on our list of the best reliable small cars, or check out the Niro’s rivals in our best hybrid SUVs guide.