During recent tests, EuroNCAP identified a weakness in the restraint system of the Venga that requires immediate attention.

Last week, Kia swiftly launched a campaign to respond to Euro NCAP’s concerns.

In the UK, there were just four cars already out with customers and these have all had the modification carried out.

Euro NCAP discovered a cut in the webbing of the seat-belt on the driver’s side following the frontal impact crash test.

Euro NCAP inspectors concluded that the seatbelt was damaged by interaction with the seat runners when it was under load from the dummy.

Kia has produced a polypropylene sleeve to be added to the seat belt as an effective countermeasure to the problem.

According to Kia, some 1,161 cars were were affected and all have now had the safety modification work carried out.

Euro NCAP advises all customers that the star rating awarded to the car can only apply following the fitment of this safety modification.

Michael Cole, Kia Motors (UK) managing director, said: "We immediately suspended deliveries and have asked our dealers to carry out the modification which involves fitting a protective sleeve to the belts and takes around 15 minutes.

"Our factory production process has been changed to incorporate the fitting of the modified sleeve. We have already contacted the four customers who had taken delivery of their Vengas and we have carried out the modification on their cars."