Kia Motors (UK) is contacting the owners of 816 new-model Sportages in order to arrange the replacement of possibly defective hand-brakes.

The recall comes after the discovery of a possible manufacturing defect that could see the parking brake fail to work. No cases of the fault have been reported in the UK.

Since the new Sportage was introduced at the start of the year almost 3,000 vehicles have been sold, but the recall only applies to specific vehicles manufactured in April and May of 2005.

The checks and repair work will take approximately 40 minutes.