THE first new car from Kia following the acquisition of the company by Hyundai could be on sale in Britain next year, it was said at the Barcelona Motor Show. The Carens, the South Korean firm's competitor in the segment dominated by the Renault Megane, will be in Spanish showrooms later this year and is also destined for the UK market, according to Kia Motors Espana spokesman Javier Gutierrez.

'This vehicle will form the renaissance of Kia,' he said as the 1.8-litre five or six-seat multi-purpose vehicle made its European debut. Developing 110bhp, the car is based on the Shuma (Mentor) platform and is expected to boost sales of the brand to 10,000 in Spain this year.