Kia Venga mini MPV at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

17 August 2009 11:00

Kia has stayed remarkably faithful to its No.3 concept car for its new mini-MPV, the Venga. Forget the name's reference to Arsenal's football manager or annoying Ibiza soundtracks, the Venga is all about sensible family transport. 

It's the more practical Soul – with the space of a C-segment, Focus-style car in the footprint of a supermini, claims Kia.

Eh? How do they manage that?

It's all in the packaging. Kia says the Venga, which was designed and engineered and will be manufactured in Europe, is 4068mm long and 1600mm tall. That height combines with a stretchy 2615mm wheelbase to liberate the space for a 60:40 split and sliding rear bench that can also stow flat in the split level boot floor for holiday duties.

What'll she do, mister?

Get real. The Venga doesn't major on performance in this segment – it's all about efficient family transport. So every engine will come with stop-start tech and customers can pick between 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesel engines, spanning between 74bhp and 113bhp.

We'll know more about the Venga after its Frankfurt show debut on 15 September 2009. The new Kia Venga goes on sale in Europe in late 2009, following to UK showrooms in spring 2010.

By Tim Pollard