18 August 2009 - 13:00
Boom boom boom boom
There are too few cars named after late 1990s Dutch Europop acts. Aiming to rectify this shortfall comes the Kia Venga, a mini-MPV from the Korean manufacturer that promises Focus space within a Fiesta footprint.
Marketing spiel perhaps, but the Venga – which shares its underpinnings with the Soul and Hyundai i20 – should be a practical wee thing, with a roofline some 13 centimetres higher than the Fiesta (and 11cm higher than the i20) providing extra interior space.
As you’ve probably guessed, it won’t challenge the Clio 200 for the hot hatch crown. It’ll be launched with 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines developing between 74bhp and 113bhp, though all models will get start-stop technology.
A hybrid version is rumoured to join the line-up later next year.
“This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil,” says Kia MD Michael Cole.
“A fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package, it will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy.”
Rumours that the Venga will be unveiled at the Frankfurt show by the eponymous Arsenal manager are completely unfounded.
Want to comment on this?
So the Venga Bus really is coming. Fantastic. What's next? The Hyundai Macarena?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Its not too bad... I hope its reasonably priced too. If its more expensive than the Toyota Aygo, no one will buy it.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Maybe a Daihatsu Whigfield, Mazda 2 Unlimited, MINI Baby D, Proton Snap! Ssangyong Hanson or Suzuki Aqua?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Oh and the car looks fine - a bit like a mini S-Max
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I'm not a fan of kia's but this one looks ok actually
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
kia are rubbish crap. we dont need these snot boxes that look horrible and promise good fuel economy in a small sized car thats spacious on the inside. for small cars there is really only one company who can do them and has made them for a long time and that is fiat. so there is definatley a better car in the fiat range. and given the choice i would prefer a used car than these rubbishy things coming from the likes of kia, hyundai, perodua and proton
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I love that quote, "It's exactly what UK motorists want." It's just SO funny!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
@JES0381 - quality! How about a Perodua Doop? Either that or I'm hearing Renault are making a 6.5 litre supercar. They're calling it the Eiffel and it'll only be available in Blue...........
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Huh... Looks like a Toyota IQ mixed with the Prius... The two cars u dont want in your gardge
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I just want to comment about those ( front side inlet windows )... a friend of mine who previously had a Colt says they are a bit of a blind-spot hazard so had to switch to another brand... so am not sure if this is going to affect visibility for new Kia Venga, besides that I think the car looks good and clearly Kia and other Korean badge are quickly getting their priorities right and are catching-up to the mighty Japanese.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Venga venga venga... to want or not to want.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
its not what i am looking for during a recession. no i want a focus rs!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Still, could be worse... Ssang Yong Hazes, definitely a full size SUV. Mazda Two Men on the Fourth Floor, Toyota Tiësto, Opel BZN, Fiat Borsato, Buick Golden Earrings, Dodge Anouk. Gawd... the Cadillac Jantje... I'm not proud to be Dutch actually... That guy from Di-Rect at least drives a '67 Mustang, and he has the hair to match. Good on him.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
i might just be my eyesight but is there a slight hint a the Fiat 500?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I gave a lift to 2 students last year and they were going back to college early to go to a Venga Boys concert! Must have missed that comeback. The car - Focus space in a Fiesta package is promising but wouldn't you rather just buy a used Focus?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
ummm... i dont like the new face of kia, it just ruins the hole look of this car
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Advertisement
Advertisement feature
Discover the new Insignia VXR
The Vauxhall Insignia VXR is in showrooms now. To read more about the car and for your chance to win an iPod Touch, click here.
Test Driven
.jpg?p=080926_03:52)
Audi TT Roadster
Forget the hyperdrive quattro versions. This honest, no frills TT is one of the best you can buy.
Advertisement
Open Car Bar
AlKim commented on this article
18 August 2009
"style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy." Okay, I can't really disprove the sophistication, refinement or environmental stuff, but stylish that thing is not.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.