Kia is a relatively new brand to the British car-buying public, however that is changing as the brand hits new sales records in the UK. The Korean manufacturer had not really been on Brits’ radar until the 21st century when models such as the Picanto, Rio, Sorento and Sedona started to make an impact in the new car market.

It was its second generation cars that has started to mark the brand out as a builder of quality, well-designed mainstream cars not least with the Ceed hatchback and Ceed Sportswagon (estate). Two of its latest models to receive the full make over is the Kia Carens, a compact people carrier, and the Kia Sportage, a spacious off-roader.

One of the key features of its new cars is its seven-year warranty that helps provide reassurance for potential owners.

Kia has come a long way since it started out as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts in 1944. In 1951 it started building complete bicycles, then moved into motorcycle production in 1957, trucks in 1962 and eventually started making cars in 1974. It is now South Korea’s second largest car maker after Hyundai.