It has been a busy year for Kia with three product launches catering for three different segments of the market. Following the completion of the revamp of cee’d family (with the 5 door hatch, Sporty Wagon and Procee’d) and the launch of the new Sorento Sports Utility, the new Venga compact MPV is ready to enter the market place.
It is clear from the specification and price that Kia Motors Ireland is offering a car that’s both economical and environmentally friendly. New Venga with a starting price of €18,395 is sold only in ecodynamic package form that has ISG – Intelligent Stop & Go technology, low rolling-resistance tyres and powered by a 90PS 1.4 litre diesel. This ensures low VRT (Band A), low road tax €104 and an estimated fuel return of 4.5 litres per 100 kms (61 mpg).
The New Kia Venga uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Kia confidently anticipates that Venga will become the company’s fourth consecutive model to attain the maximum 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating – placing it among the safest cars in its MPV class.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class (2,615 mm) – and a 1,600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space. Therefore Venga manages to produce levels of interior space of many larger C-segment vehicles, but within a B-segment footprint. This additional space was appreciated on the launch drive around the city of Rome. While the drivetrain package – diesel engine, 6 speed gearbox and Stop & Go technology combined well around the urban arena, increased use of the gear-shift was required while out in the countryside. Thanks to the gear change indicator in the dash, the correct gear was recommended and used at its most efficient time. The high level of specification on board was also appreciated right down to the Bluetooth and USB/AUX fittings. My only concern with the car was the blind spot created with the rather large A-pillar.
