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 the in spite of a dumb name, it looked like a pretty decent little vehicle. As we move on to Frankfurt next month, we'll be seeing it again but now in production form and badged as the 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 road-going version are the front fascia and the lights, which loose the cool neon look in favor of something more conventional. The windshield header that ran diagonally across the 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 with automatic start-stop. Unfortunately, Kia is only planning to sell the Venga in Europe, which is too bad. It would make an interesting addition to the burgeoning B-Segment in the U.S. market.
Live Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]
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
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