Frankfurt Preview: Kia moves up from No 3 in Geneva to Venga
by Sam Abuelsamid on Aug 17th 2009 at 11:00AM 
Kia Venga - click above for high-res image gallery
When we saw the Kia No 3 concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it was largely agreed that in spite of its unimaginative name, it appeared to be a pretty decent little vehicle. As we move on to the Frankfurt auto show next month, we'll be seeing it again, only this time it will be shown in production form and badged as Venga.
Judging from these first photos released today by Kia, the concept was made from a prototype Venga body shell that went through relatively few changes. The biggest differences for the roadgoing version are the front fascia and the lights, the latter of which loses the cool neon look in favor of something more conventional and presumably less expensive. The bizarre windshield header that ran diagonally across the concept's glass roof is now replaced by a conventional version as well.
Under the hood, the 13.35 foot long Venga gets a choice of 1.4-liter gas or 1.6-liter diesel engines, both available with Intelligent Stop and Go, Kia-speak for fuel-sipping auto start-stop technology.
Unfortunately, Kia appears to have no plans to market the Venga in the States. That's too bad, as it would make an interesting addition to the burgeoning B-segment in the U.S. market. High-res images below, official press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Kia Venga
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Kia No 3
Live Images Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]
PRESS RELEASE:
17 August 2009
Uniquely spacious Kia Venga to debut at Frankfurt
Kia's stylish and uniquely spacious new premium B-segment contender will be named 'Venga' when it goes on sale across Europe later this year and in the UK early in 2010.
Due for its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the Venga is based on the 'No 3' concept shown at Geneva in March.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm – and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.
Skilful packaging will ensure that the Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.
Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia's fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards. Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe where consumers will be offered a choice of two 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 115 ps.
The Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.
Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: "The 'No 3' was one of the stars of Geneva and I am certain Venga will attract similar attention in Frankfurt.
"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. It will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy," he added.
The Kia Venga will make its world premiere during the Frankfurt International Motor Show at 13.00 hrs (CET) on Tuesday 15 September
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Danimal 11:05AM (8/17/2009)
The concept was fierce looking, this is just another blob of a jelly bean.
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ConceptVBS 11:15AM (8/17/2009)
Doesn't all concept - turned production car exhibit this?
Danimal 11:32AM (8/17/2009)
Concept: yeah usually you'd be right, but the No. 3 concept wasn't nearly an flashy or exotic as most concepts.
James 11:49AM (8/17/2009)
Looks very much like a "snub-nosed"...Honda Fit to me.
gerrrg 12:02PM (8/17/2009)
Looks like a newer version of the 4-door Yaris to me.
James 1:34PM (8/17/2009)
Venga...according to some Spanish language website, it means "come on" in Espanol.
GOT 9:16AM (8/18/2009)
It's missing some great details from the "concept", which would've really helped this car. Other than that, the concept, as mentioned, was bland. But the Venga is a better overall and more organized design than the eye-sore Spark (whose concept, the Beat, is seriously awesome).
Taglane 11:27AM (8/17/2009)
What happened here....
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VVVM 12:43PM (8/17/2009)
I almost feel like they had to remove the awesome tail lights to make the car more cohesively bleh-er than the concept. And those were my favorite part. Well, those and the wheels. Shame.
Its actually pretty amazing what basically just changing some colors on a car can do.
Tang 11:30AM (8/17/2009)
Fiesta, is that you?
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Bloke 11:35AM (8/17/2009)
No, it isn't. The Venga is actually a B-segment MPV with a taller roofline than the average B-segment hatch, which will pitch it against the Renaul Modus, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, and upcoming Ford B-Max.
Matt (that likes ford) 11:37AM (8/17/2009)
That was the most confusing title I have ever read in my entire life.
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calebe 11:56AM (9/01/2009)
I like it. The interior is nice. The concept had some horrid seats in it.
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Aprime 11:51AM (8/17/2009)
Wish they had kept the concept's grille format. :\ The Soul-type badge placement was more appropriate.
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Noah 11:51AM (8/17/2009)
Is the B segment market in the US too saturated? Are the Yarises, Fits, Aveos and Minis not selling well? I thought that they were and we had room for a very competitive Kia.
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Landy 12:06PM (8/17/2009)
Looks to me like a Ford S-Max that has been washed too hot somehow...
(front lights / rear lamps / kink at the D-pillar)
Just to compare:
http://www.autoaid.de/testberichte/ford/s-max/galerie/bild/4/
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luv_my_car 12:06PM (8/17/2009)
I think the car looks very nice. Too bad they are not planning to bring stateside.
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Mattias 12:34PM (8/17/2009)
Mr Schreyer, Audi just called, they want back the frameless rear window and the A3 taillights.
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Torrent 12:41PM (8/17/2009)
Looks like a Fit on a dangerous substance.
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Ashish 2:16PM (8/17/2009)
Isn't this is a re-badged version of the hyundai i10??
http://www.hyundai-i10.com/
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