There can be little doubting about Kia’s ambitious nature right now. The Korean company — a sister brand to Hyundai, remember — has made massive strides since the days when it pedalled fairly grim family-oriented hatchbacks and saloons, as well as a couple of faux 4x4 jobbies.

To the end of February Kia lay in 10th place on the Irish new car sales charts with a total of 1,972 units registered and a market share of 4.32%. It was not a bad performance, but not quite up to that of sister company Hyundai, which ratcheted up some 4,199 units and a market share of 9.19%.