Kia Motors has increased the prices of some of its range by between three and 4%.

It has also implemented the Government's new Vehicle Excise Duty changes at the same time to minimise disruption in showrooms.

The price increase have been kept to the minimum, said the manufacturer, despite production, shipping and currency costs. Kia in the UK imports all its vehicles either from South Korea or the company's Slovakian factory.

The price increase will not affect the recently launched new Sorento and Venga models and Soul prices also remain unaffected.

"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,” said Michael Cole, managing director of Kia Motors UK.

"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.”

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.