Kia has extended its seven-year warranty to all of its models in Europe.

Previously available on Kia's European-built products such as Cee'd and Sportage, the seven-year warranty will now apply to every vehicle in the Kia range from the Picanto city car to the range-topping Sorento.

The new "Seven-Year Kia Warranty" will apply to all vehicles sold and registered in more than 20 European countries after January 1, 2010.

Michael Cole, managing director of Kia Motors (UK), said: "The warranty covers every vehicle in our line-up for up to seven years - and no-one in the business can boast that.

"The warranty is transferable to subsequent owners bringing a big boost for used values."

There is no mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a taxi, when coverage is limited to 100,000 miles. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 100,000 miles.

Qualifications that will apply to the new warranty include: paintwork is covered for five years (depending on model), audio for three years and 60,000 miles and service parts, accessories and batteries for two years.

Normal 'wear & tear' on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, is excluded from cover.