Kia has unveiled special edition ‘Shadow’ models for the latest Picanto, as well as the popular Stonic and Sportage line-ups.

On sale from June 3 and for retail sales only, ‘Shadow’ models add new styling and features to the already comprehensive standard equipment of the ‘3’ grade models upon which they’re based. Each model offers exclusive interior colours and premium paint included as standard.

The Picanto is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in the UK this year and is being given a major mid-life refreshment. The ‘Shadow’ adds to an already well-equipped line-up and for just £500 more than the ‘3’ model upon which it’s based, the Picanto ‘Shadow’ adds the following standard equipment: a 1.2-litre, 77bhp engine, available in both manual and Automated Manual (AMT) transmissions; Adventurous Green interior and a choice of premium paints (Adventurous Green, Astro Grey or Midnight Black)

It has an on-the-road price: £18,045 (manual), £18,745 (AMT).

The Kia Picanto, which surpassed 250,000 lifetime sales in the UK in August last year, remains a well-loved model for the Korean brand.

Currently holding a share of more than 22 per cent of the A-segment so far in 2024, the small Picanto represents Kia’s continuing commitment to the small-car segments, recognising the need for compact, manoeuvrable and versatile vehicles for European customers.

Since its last special edition was unveiled in 2022, the Stonic now gains the ‘Shadow’ option which adds to an ever-popular line-up for the B-segment SUV. In addition to the generously equipped ‘3’ model, ‘Shadow’ includes: new 17-inch grey alloys, unique to ‘Shadow’; a choice of premium exterior paint colours (Midnight Black, Astro Grey and Smokey Blue) and a Blue interior pack which features contrast blue stitching on seats, steering wheel and blue elements on centre console

The Stonic ‘Shadow’ has an on-the-road price of £22,995 (manual) and £23,995 (DCT).

Finally, the ever-popular Sportage continues to lead sales as the third best-selling car in the UK in Q1 this year. Exclusive to hybrid models, the Sportage ‘Shadow’ adds styling features to the existing ‘3’ hybrid for the same £36,485 on-the-road price.

Features include new Midnight Green interior pack, gloss black window and spoiler trim, dark chrome finish to front, rear, side and skid plate, along with three premium paint options (Experience Green, Phantom Black and Wolf Grey – new and exclusive to ‘Shadow’)

The Sportage’s status as a best-seller is not exclusive to the UK, also being recognised as Kia’s most popular vehicle both throughout Europe, and globally. Offering a choice of low-emitting petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Sportage delivers a versatility that allows it to stand out in a crowded and competitive segment.

All ‘Shadow’ models are on-sale from June 3, with first customer deliveries expected later in 2024. As with all new Kia vehicles, the Picanto, Stonic and Sportage ‘Shadow’ editions are offered with the company’s famous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.