A NEW range of 850cc budget-priced Malaysian cars is due go on sale in the UK later this year. The five-door hatchbacks, made by Perodua, will be imported into the UK from August by European Motor Holdings, which has acquired a 90% interest in Perodua Cars (UK) - the subsidiary set up to operate the import franchise.

The Perodua mini-car, known in Malaysia as the Kancil but yet to be given a UK title, is manufactured near Kuala Lumpur and has been developed using Japanese technology. It is based on Daihatsu's Mira.