Venga a remarkable compact car

THE arrival of the new Venga opens yet another new market for Kia. This latest compact car built for the European market in the Czech Republic is a remarkable package combining great flexibility within a stylish and compact exterior.

The Venga marks another important chapter for Kia in that it is the first full model to be designed by Peter Schreyer, he is one of the most highly regarded in his field in the automotive world. Amongst his many achievements, the Iconic Audi TT.

Like all of the models in the ever expanding Kia range, the new Venga benefits from the seven year warranty, which was introduced on January 1.

At just four metres in length this is a family car with space, versatility and practicality, just what the modern generation demands. Based on the same platform as the Kia Soul, but where it differs is in wheelbase length. The extra 65mm contributes to the interior.

Rising fuel prices and CO2 related motoring taxes have seen people downsizing. They are running for cover from large thirsty cars and choosing a vehicle which is much cheaper in all aspects to run.

One problem, small cars too often have small interiors, not really suitable for family lifestyles. Here the new Venga scores and behind the wheel you get the feeling that you are in control of a much larger car.

Venga is a five seater and the split rear seats slide fore and aft by 130mm to allow passenger accommodation to be further stretched when maximum luggage capacity is required.

A two tier boot means that if you require more than the standard 444 litres of cargo space, the luggage area can be easily expanded by moving the floor. The luggage compartment becomes taller, extending the total volume to 570 litres.

Should you require even more space, the rear seats have Fold & Dive, which seems to make them disappear into the floor. This creates a flat deck and expands the total space to 1,486 litres.

With a sleek profile, new Venga is far from being dubbed as a mini MPV as it avoids the boxy styling and instead it is much sleeker. Short overhangs, concave swage lines along its flanks and muscular wheel arches attest to the new Kia’s agility and fun to drive character.

With a generous glass area, there is excellent visibility for the driver and also an airy and spacious feel in the cabin is generated. This is more pronounced on the range topping Venga 3, which features an all glass, two piece sliding panoramic sunroof.

Moving to the interior and the use of quality materials and trim really sets a new standard for Kia. All of the instruments and controls are well placed and again this adds to driver enjoyment.

Engine choice and there are three units, with the diesel featuring EcoDynamics. This is Kia’s fuel saving, CO2 cutting technology that includes Stop and Go. This switches the engine off when the car comes to rest and the gearlever is put into neutral and restarts the instant the clutch pedal is depressed. This engine can deliver 62.8mpg and emits just 117g/km.

The two petrol engines are 1.4 litre (89bhp) and 1.6 litre (124bhp). The smaller engine features a five speed manual gearbox, while the larger engine has a four speed automatic transmission and the 1.4 diesel has a standard six speed manual transmission.

Safety and security systems are first rate and all models come with air con, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, electric front windows, remote central locking and tinted glass.

In car entertainment and a six speaker audio system with RDS radio, CD player and full MP3 capability is also standard. Venga 2 adds 16 inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and iPod cable and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The Venga 3 comes with climate control, front and rear electric windows, front fog lamps and privacy glass on the tailgate. Three trim levels with one to suit every pocket and on the subject of pricing, the new Venga starts from 11,495 with the range topping Venga 3 priced at 15,395.

New Venga is the perfect example of just how good the Kia product has become, a compact car that is highly competitive and above all very enjoyable to drive.

Alistair Boyd of Howard Abraham Kia said: "We are really looking forward to selling the new Venga, it will appeal to a wide audience and with it comes what is probably the best warranty in the industry.”

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