KIA has introduced two scorching special editions Picanto's to this summer's line-up.

The Picanto Zipp and Zipp+ both feature a panoramic electric folding canvas sunroof which, at the touch of a button, gives Kia customers a breath of fresh air.

Paul Williams, managing director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: "The Zipp models combine the versatility of the Picanto with the feeling of freedom which no other vehicle in this sector can offer at a starting price of £6,995." The discreet Webasto full-length sunroof has two pre-programmable settings and can be retracted to any position to provide varying degrees of sunlight and warm summer breeze into the vehicle. If it gets too hot, simply close the roof using the one-touch panel and flick on the air conditioning which comes as standard on the Zipp+ model.

The 1.0-litre Zipp comes with all the benefits of the existing Picanto GS which in addition to the unique canvas roof, also offers anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, twin airbags and CD audio with MP3 player.

For £500 extra, customers can enjoy the 1.1-litre Zipp+ which gives the open-top specification of the Zipp as well as extras such as leather steering wheel, body coloured side moulding and remote central door locking. Customers preferring an automatic transmission on the Zipp+ can pick one up for £7,995.

The Zipp is available in scarlet red and cobalt blue and in addition to these colours, the Zipp+ adds galaxy black and liquid silver. Both Zipp models are offered with one year's free insurance.

Full pricing and line-up is as follows: Picanto 1.0 Zipp - £6,995; Picanto 1.1 Zipp+ - £7,495 and Picanto 1.1 Zipp+ auto - £7,995.

Metallic/mica paint is available for an extra £325 on all Zipp models.

Rio, Cerato and Picanto Zapp have arrived as Kia uplifts its hatchback range. The Rio is getting the exclusive Kia Zapp treatment as customers looking for an excellent deal can bag themselves a bargain with the limited edition Rio Zapp. Coming in at £1,000 under the current GS model at £7,495, the limited edition 1.4 litre petrol Rio Zapp has a first-rate level of specification including air-conditioning, CD audio system with MP3 player and power steering.

With a 'grand' saving and one year's free insurance, the Rio is also fully equipped in the safety department with ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, twin airbags and engine immobliser.

Paul Williams said: "The Rio Zapp is a great new special edition that gives car buyers a financial leg up from being able to just afford a cramped small car to actually buying a versative family car.

"The Zapp special editions stem from the popularity of the Picanto Zapp. Not to be left behind, our large hatchback, the Cerato, is joining in the Zapping fun", he added.

The limited edition 1.6-litre petrol Cerato Zapp comes with an unrivalled Zapp price tag of £9.995 and specification that includes air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels and remote central locking.