The Kia Venga has no direct rivals and is placed between the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Meriva, the car maker has told Autocar. It was officially launched at the Frankfurt motor show.
On sale in the UK in February, the Venga has been described by a Kia source as a "Rio Plus", referring to the company's budget supermini. However the new Rio, which arrives in 2011, won't just be a smaller version of the Venga, which is based on the Soul platform.
See the full high-res Kia Venga picture gallery
The car will be built in Europe and has clever packaging to maximize interior space.
It is 4068mm long and 1600mm tall, with a 2615mm wheelbase, and inside there is a sliding rear bench that can also fold flat.
The Venga will be powered by 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesel engines, producing between 74bhp and 113bhp. All versions get start-stop technology.
A Kia source has also told Autocar there could be a "real opportunity" for a hybrid to join the range.
The Venga will be launched at the Frankfurt show and goes on sale in the UK early next year. The exterior styling stays true to the No.3 concept from the Geneva show.
“This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil – a fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package," said Michael Cole, managing director of Kia UK.
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Re: Kia Venga MPV - official images
Yes, the Autocar road-testers will downgrade it because of the lack of "soft-touch" dashboard materials - apparently it's their equivalent of a "security blanket" and they touch them all the time.
Re: Kia Venga MPV - official images
Seriously now. This looks a really competent and value for money product. If they can still have the 7 year warranty it will sell like " Hot Cakes" !! I think the styling is very good indeed and the interior isn't up to BMW standards,what do you expect, but well thought out and well up to Ford offerings ! Bring on the competition ! It is after all a Hyundai designed car, which are proofing to be very reliable it seems from various reports !! Food for thought !!
Re: Kia Venga MPV - official images
LOL! I might just but one if it was :-)