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Global recession, rising fuel prices, CO2 -related motoring taxes – it's hardly surprising that many car buyers are running for cover from large, thirsty models and opting for something smaller and easier on the pocket. The trouble is, small cars often have small interiors that are just not suitable for families.
Not the new Kia Venga. Despite occupying only a fraction over four metres of road, this stylish and different kind of small car has all the space, versatility and practicality a family could ask for. Along with Soul, the funky and fun urban SUV look-alike, and Rio, a more conventional type of low-cost supermini, it puts Kia in a unique position to make the most of the downsizing trend that has been gathering momentum.
Venga is the first car designed from scratch by Kia's CDO, Peter Schreyer, and carries many of the striking design elements and detail touches of his No3 concept car that was one of the hits of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Proving that small can be beautiful, it brings sensational good looks to the B segment of the market – a class characterised by many cars that are worthy but dull.
Similarities between the No3 concept car and the production-ready Venga go surprisingly deep. Apart from the adoption of a more conventional windscreen and roof design, all metal panels are common between the two models, and only minor changes have been made to turn the design concept into production reality.
'With the Venga, we have designed a car that will fulfil European consumers’ practical requirements while also being genuinely desirable and fun to drive,' says Peter Schreyer. 'Venga is going to re-ignite interest among consumers in the B-segment by setting new standards for the class.'
It is based on the new small-car platform first used on the Kia Soul that will also underpin the replacement for the Kia Rio when that becomes due. But rather than being just a different body on the same basics, Venga shows significant differences from Soul, demonstrating the flexibility of the platform. Despite being 37mm shorter than Soul, Venga has a 65mm longer wheelbase, an important contribution to its outstanding interior space and versatility.
Venga is not a conventional mini-MPV but a B-segment car with genuine space and practicality. It appears to get progressively wider from top to bottom, a legacy of its wide track. It also has an athletic, sporty, crouching stance thanks to sleek headlamp housings, wedge-shaped double shoulder creases, deep swage lines and the kick-up in the rear passenger windows that all get progressively higher as they flow from front to rear.
Venga avoids the boxy profile typical of other tall, passenger-friendly small cars and instead presents a sleeker, racier profile that gives it a class-best Cd figure of just 0.31 – reducing fuel consumption, emissions and wind noise when travelling at speed.
Short overhangs, concave swage lines along the flanks and pronounced, muscular wheel arches attest to Venga's agility and fun-to-drive character, while the extended, four-panel glasshouse ensures excellent driver visibility and creates an airy and spacious feel in the cabin. This is even more pronounced on the range-topping Venga 3, which has an all-glass, two-piece sliding panoramic sunroof covering almost the entire roof area.
The style and attention to detail obvious from the exterior is carried through to the cabin. Venga is the greatest expression yet of the depth of quality Kia is now bringing to its entire range. The style, colours, materials and fit and finish will delight existing Kia owners and demonstrate to those unfamiliar with the brand Kia’s continuing ‘Power to Surprise’.
As a car that will be sold exclusively in Europe, the interior style is – naturally – modern European. From the driver's perspective, it is dominated by interlocking 'three-cylinder' hooded dials with chromed surrounds that not only look stylish but are totally free of reflections.
Just in front of them is Kia’s new-style three-spoke steering wheel, fast becoming a trademark feature. It can be adjusted for height and reach and features alloy-finish spokes and remote control switches on the 2 and 3 trim grades.
The driver control centre of Venga is ergonomically perfect. In the centre of the dash is a control stack set at the perfect height for the driver: no fumbling around to change gear, swap radio stations or adjust the cabin temperature here! It is edged with metallic-effect 'bookends' that match the finish on the steering wheel spokes, gearlever gaiter and door handles (depending on model).
The air conditioning and airflow controls are set in a stylish and easy-to-use circular arrangement. The in-built six-speaker audio system featuring an RDS radio, CD player, MP3 connectivity and AUX and USB ports is all-new and is controlled by another circular master switch. Venga 2 and 3 models also have an iPod cable, allowing integration of Apple's digital music players with the audio unit.
All versions have supportive seats with black upholstery frames and one of two different insert styles – “Madrid” in Venga 1 and 2 and “Beat” in Venga 3 – with silver stitching.
The interior is light and airy, offering superb all-round visibility. Large quarterlight front windows are a particluar help when placing the car next to kerbs, in parking spaces or in corners, while the location of the large door mirrors allows drivers to keep an eye on surrounding traffic with only the merest diversion of the eyes from the road ahead.
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