Kia Motors UK insists its price increases effective today have been kept to the minimum possible given pressures on production, shipping and currency costs.

The Korean brand today increases the prices of some of its range by between 3% and 4% at the same time as implementing the 'Showroom Tax' VED changes forced by the Government.

The price increase will not affect the recently launched Sorento and Venga and Kia has also been able to avoid any price increase on the Soul.

Michael Cole, managing director, said: “We have worked hard with our partners in the dealer network to avoid price increases for as long as possible but it has proved impossible for us to avoid small change.

“Given all our cars are covered by a manufacturer’s seven year warranty I believe our prices still represent extremely good value for money – and this is the first adjustment we have made for six months,” he added.

The Showroom Tax has meant that some models show a small increase in price but others such as certain Venga models actually are reduced in price. Also many Picanto, Rio, Venga and cee’d models now have a zero VED rate for year one.

The changes mean that Kia’s UK range now starts with Picanto at £6,895 on-the-road, up from £6,635, and includes the cee’d 5-door at £12,595, up from £12,150, and Sportage at £15,995, up from £15,210.