Kia finished 2005 with 39,761 vehicles sold, a 19% increase on 2004.

The Picanto, Kia’s bestseller in 2005 with 12,761 units, was the original model which introduced the new generation of Kia models to the UK. It was followed by a design overhaul for the Sportage and Rio and the introduction of the Cerato to the range.

The final phase of Kia’s re-launch rests with new models for 2006. Kia will introduce the new Magentis and Sedona, in spring and summer respectively and its mid-sized MPV, the Carens, later this year.

Kia’s bestsellers in 2005 were Picanto (12,761), Sedona (5,865), Sorento (5,269) and Sportage (4,730).

#AM_ART_SPLIT# Kia revises Sportage diesel engine

Kia has made changes to the performance of its diesel Sportage, giving the 4x4 a 25% increase in power and torque and introducing a new Euro-IV compliant engine.

The Sportage has a six-speed transmission mated to a revised 2.0-litre variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) four-cylinder engine that sees an increase in power from 111bhp to 138bhp.