Kia Motors Europe recorded its best ever quarterly and half-yearly sales in the company’s history, as the brand’s year-on-year growth accelerated to 7.6 per cent, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

During the first half of 2015, Kia posted sales of 200,038 – the best ever six-month period recorded by the Korean brand in Europe. The second quarter of 2015 was the brand’s best-ever quarter with 103,946 units sold, the first time Kia has broken through the 100,000 barrier in any one quarter.

Kia’s first quarter growth has been driven by rising sales of the all-new Soul, as well as the new Sorento SUV. The recently upgraded Rio also performed strongly. The Sportage and cee’d models also retain their position as the two top-selling models from the Korean brand. The cee’d remains the brand’s second best-selling model in Europe behind the Sportage and continues to appeal to customers thanks to its classy design, quality interior and efficient range of engines.

Launched in 2006, the 1,000,000th Kia cee’d – a high-powered GT five-door hatchback model – was recently manufactured by Kia Motors in Europe, a major milestone for a car that has played a significant role in the marque’s sustained growth and success.

All models in Kia’s European line-up continue to be sold with the brand’s unique seven-year warranty.