KIA, the Korean car manufacturer, this year celebrates 60 years of manufacturing.

Despite not being one of the world's most famous car builders, as part of the Hyundai-Kia group it now aims to be a top-five global carmaker within the next five years.

Helping it on the way are the several new cars released over the last 12 months. Latest to join the growing range are the all-new mini-sized Picanto, and the family-sized hatchback Cerato.

The Picanto goes on sale in May, while the Cerato follows later.

Picanto is designed to fit squarely into the United Kingdom's vibrant mini segment, as well as meeting the needs of those not wanting to up-size to the latest supermini offerings.

It will be available as both four-seater and five-seater versions, with a choice of two petrol engines and manual or automatic transmission (1.1-litre only).

Its fuel economy, and particularly its class-leading CO2 figures, as low as 118g/km, reflect Kia's push towards leaner, greener vehicles. A diesel version joins the range next year.

Front seat headroom is an impressive 1,003mm (966mm rear), front legroom is 1,041mm (872mm rear), and shoulder room is 1,300mm (1,290mm rear).

There are 19 storage areas around the cabin, and the boot has a capacity of 157-litres with the rear seat raised, expanding to a maximum of 882-litres with the rear seat folded flat. The rear seat can be split 60/40 to offer up to seven different configurations.

The 1.1-litre engine generates 65ps at 5,500rpm and 9.9kgm of torque at 2,800rpm, making the car one of the most powerful cars in its class. This engine is offered with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. The 1.1-litre will accelerate from 0-62mph) in 15.8-seconds.

The 1.0-litre engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, produces 61Ps at 5,600rpm and 8.8kgm of torque at 3,500rpm. In terms of CO2 emissions, this engine is also one of the world's cleanest, emitting only 118g/kg carbon dioxide.

Unusually for this class of vehicle, Picanto is fitted with disc brakes as standard, backed up by anti-lock and a load-sensitive electronic brake force distributor.

Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, while side airbags in both front seats are also available.

The new five-door Cerato hatchback made its world premiere appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

Also, for the first time in this medium-sized car segment, Kia will be offering a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. The diesels feature clean and economical common-rail technology.

Styled to attract image-conscious customers, the hatchback is 140mm shorter than the earlier launched saloon, with the rear overhang cut from 965mm to 825mm. The roof height is common to both models, but the hatchback's roof is longer and it provides more headroom (up by 15mm) for those sitting in the back. On top of a roomier cabin, the specially-designed body pillars, rear floorpan and tailgate means a large boot.

The rear seat cushion and backrest are split 60/40 and boot capacity is a handy 538-litres with the seats upright, expanding to 1,494-litres with the seats fully folded.

Cabin design is simple and modern, and finished in good quality materials. The dash is divided horizontally, with the upper surfaces in a dark colour that continues around the doors.

Performance of the all-new four-cylinder 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine promises to be one of the best in its class, although fuel economy figures have still to be announced, but power and torque figures indicate good economy returns. The 16-valve unit delivers 102Ps of power and 215.7Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. The 2.0-litre CRDi diesel generates a maximum power of 112Ps and torque of 245.2Nm at 2,000rpm. Both engines are matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.

For petrol fans there are two units with a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The 1.6-litre engine produces 105Ps at 5,800rpm and 143.2Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. Its CO2 figures are 165g/km (manual) and 187g/km (automatic).

The 2.0-litre power plant brings continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) to the marketplace in a Kia for the first time. This system automatically adjusts valve timing to boost performance, throttle response, fuel economy and reduce emissions, at low and medium engine speeds. This engine generates 143Ps at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 186.0Nm at 4,50 rpm. Its CO2 figures are 180g/km(manual) and 195g/km (automatic).

The Cerato rides on a fully- independent suspension system, with gas-filled shock absorbers a standard fit for both the front and rear suspension. Steering is through a power-assisted rack and pinion system.

Safety measures include power-assisted all-disc braking, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, with traction control available as an option.

Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are fitted for all five occupants. Both front belts have height-adjustable top mounts, pre-tensioners and load limiters. Two Isofix anchor points are fitted in the rear seat for child safety seats.

Dual front airbags are standard. Side airbags for the front seats and full-length curtain airbags are available. The driver's seat can be ordered with an active head restraint that protects against whiplash.

United Kingdom prices and final equipment specifications for the Cerato models will be announced soon.

Updated: 16:41 Thursday, March 11, 2004