On sale now, priced from £10,750

• A new market entrant from Kia to compete in the supermini segemnt alongside the other current offerings, Rio and the Soul.

• A compact, but tall design that offers lots of practical interior space. This enables the Venga to compete against the usual B-segment suspects (Fiesta, Corsa, C3, Polo etc) but also the models considered as small MPVs (Modus, Note, Meriva and Jazz)

• The bold and modern European exterior design adds to its cross segment appeal

• The interior is similarly striking and certainly fit to compete in this most competitive of market arenas. Should the Kia badge be covered up it is unlikely that many buyers would be able to identify that this model is from the Korean brand.

• The interior materials match those seen in the recently improved cee’d, and are more than an equal match for the offerings from Toyota to which the company so obviously aspires.

• In the rear a large two stage boot and sliding rear seat add to the functionality.

• Competent 1.4l capacity engines are offered in both petrol and diesel forms, with an automatic gearbox being available on a 1.6 petrol unit. The CRDi engines come with Kia’s ISG start/stop system as standard which brings CO2 figures down to an impressive 117g/km.

• The handling, although not paramount when analysing the prospects of a small family car, is also pretty good. NVH is good too with the 1.4i being especially quiet.

• A simple three trim level line-up is offered in the UK with high levels of standard equipment including alarms, a/c and ESP for all models. The top trim level gets the panorama glass sunroof which is a great feature making the cabin even more light and airy and should increase its attractiveness to subsequent buyers.


Verdict – The Kia brand finally seems to be fulfilling the promise that it has hinted at for some time. The Venga is a great blend of practicality and style and priced from under £11,000 it isn’t expensive either. A very good all-round package should be another reason for buyers to finally bother to seek out their local Kia dealer.

JK - Feb 2010