BACK from the brink Korean manufacturer Kia will be bringing two new cars to the UK, both of which were on show in Geneva. Debuting in Europe was the Rio saloon and five-door hatchback, although only the latter will enter UK showrooms before September.

The Rio will fit between the Pride and Shuma and will be available with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines. Prices are expected to be between £7,000 and £8,000. Meanwhile, the Carens mini-MPV goes on sale in the summer in both five and six-seat versions. Powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine, it will have a choice of two trim levels, priced from £9,995 on-the-road.

A year after its acquisition by Korean rival Hyundai, Kia Cars (UK) managing director Mark Quinn claims the company is riding 'a sales wave', claiming around 1,000 sales a month. He said: 'The reaction to our pricing stance has been very strong and has been further reflected in our excellent sales performance since our new line-up was revealed in June 1999. The Carens and Rio will continue our quest to provide reliable, well-packaged and efficient cars at very competitive prices.'