2010 Kia Venga

Press release

Kia’s all-new, uniquely spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV makes its global debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Called ‘Venga’, the new model will be manufactured in Europe, and will go on sale across Europe later this year - backed by two warranties: Kia’s unique ‘7-Years (drivetrain) / 5-Years (whole car) / 150,000 km’ warranty, plus a 10-Year anti-corrosion warranty.

The new production model, which is closely related to the stunning Kia No3 concept car that made its debut at the Geneva Show earlier this year to worldwide acclaim, brings stylish good looks and a fun driving experience to an otherwise ‘humdrum’ vehicle segment.

"Venga will certainly deliver all the practicality and versatility that a European family could require. It will also provide them with the most stylish transport this segment has ever seen," observes Benny Oeyen, Director Marketing & Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe. "On the road, its performance and agility will surpass the class norm. Venga will ensure that rewarding, fun-to-drive motoring is now available to drivers whose lifestyles demand an MPV."

The ‘Venga’ name has an attractive and lively sound that suits Kia’s latest family car. It is derived from Spanish and has a modern feel that fits well with active urban lifestyles. It echoes Kia’s core brand value - the ‘Power to Surprise’.

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 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space. Skilful packaging ensures that the Venga redefines its MPV category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

"Venga is a tremendously exciting new model for us which will build on the success of the Kia cee’d and boost the on-going process of changing European consumers’ perceptions of our brand," continues Oeyen.

"The B-segment MPV is still a ‘young’ concept, and although demand for this type of vehicle shrank during the last two years, we believe that two main factors will reverse that trend. Firstly, the economic climate will encourage consumers to down-size. Secondly, exciting new products from several manufacturers will re-ignite interest in the whole segment and with New Venga, Kia will be positioned to maximise its sales growth and sector share," adds Oeyen.

Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards. Start/Stop (ISG) equipped models will have a CO2 rating from just 117 g/km (1.4-litre U2 engine).

Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe where consumers will be offered a choice of two 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 128 ps. Every version of Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay. Depending on model, an optional tilt-&-slide, all-glass panoramic sunroof will be available to flood the cabin with natural light.

"Venga is going to inject much-needed excitement into the B-segment. It is such a great looking, great driving car that even people who don’t actually need an MPV-style vehicle, will buy one!" concludes Oeyen.

2. STYLING & DESIGN

Kia brings dynamic and dramatic design to small MPV sector

New Kia Venga will offer consumers a winning combination of style and practicality when it goes on sale across Europe at the turn of this year. Bearing many of the striking design elements and detail touches that drew wide media and public acclaim to the No3 concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Venga brings a sensational ‘good looks’ to a segment of the market previously characterised by ‘dull but worthy’ vehicles.

Indeed, the similarities between the No3 concept car and the production-ready Venga making its debut at Frankfurt 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 a production reality.

"B-segment MPVs have traditionally been a class of vehicle purchased out of necessity - they are cars of function and practicality," explains Kia Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. "Now all that is about to change. With New Venga we have designed a car that will fulfil European consumers’ practical requirements, while also being genuinely desirable and fun to drive. Venga is going to re-ignite interest among consumers in B-segment MPVs, by setting new standards for the class!"

Viewed from any direction, Venga appears to get progressively wider as the eye is drawn from top to bottom, thanks to the car’s long wheelbase and wide track - giving it a stable, purposeful, sporty stance. All of the car’s creases, shapes and outlines - from the sleek headlamp housings, through wedge-shaped double shoulder creases and deep swage lines on the doors, to the ‘kick-up’ rear passenger windows - get progressively higher as they flow from front to rear, making Venga appear poised and ready for action, even when parked.

Doing away with the boxy ‘mini-van’ profile typically associated with B-segment MPVs, New Venga adopts a sleeker, racier profile. Indeed, Venga’s slippery form achieves a class-best figure for aerodynamic drag with a Cd of just 0.31 - reducing fuel consumption, emissions output and wind noise - as well as satisfying numerous aesthetic criteria.

Short overhangs front and rear combine with the new model’s broad stance and its ‘smiling’ lower air intake to enhance the overall feeling of ‘eagerness’ to get moving. The bold, concave swage lines along the flanks accentuate Venga’s pronounced shoulder lines and muscular wheel arches, to give the car a svelte, but athletic appearance.

When New Venga is viewed in profile, the extended, four-panel glasshouse reaches beyond front and rear doors to improve driver visibility and to apparently ‘stretch’ the car’s outline. At both front and rear, modern, angular light clusters draw the viewers’ eyes sharply in towards the middle of the car.

The treatment of glass surfaces is especially important in the creation of Venga and buyers can accentuate this aspect of the MPV by specifying the optional, all-glass, two-piece sliding panoramic sunroof. It covers almost the entire roof area, bringing light to the interior to add to the feeling of spaciousness, and making the car seem sleeker by disguising the windscreen header rail and seeming to draw the roof line back.

Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe with a choice of 10 exterior paint colours, two of them - Byte Blue and Caramel Gold - unique to the new model.

3. COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Generously equipped for maximum comfort and choice

Kia is confident that when customers first experience the new Kia Venga MPV they will be deeply impressed by much more than its ‘uniquely spacious’ interior. The new model’s style, colours, execution, quality, materials, fit and finish will delight existing Kia owners and demonstrate to those unfamiliar with the brand Kia’s continuing ‘Power to Surprise’.

Facing the New Venga driver is a new-style four-spoke steering wheel, which is becoming a Kia trademark feature. It can be adjusted for height and reach and features alloy-finish lower spokes and remote control switches on both left and right spokes. Another element of Kia’s developing design DNA - the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster - can be viewed through the Venga’s wheel.

While the Venga’s standard interior colour scheme is Ebony Black or Ash Brown, with a Metallic Silver central facia, high-gloss Beige, Black and Lime Green trim packs will be available as either standard or as an option on the TX model.

The radio/CD player is all-new and features a circular central ‘master’ control. The centre-top, red-on-black information panel has high readability thanks to its Dot Matrix presentation and is able to display information about the audio system, external temperature, time, day and date.

The floor console houses an oddments tray (with USB and AUX iPod®* connections), gear selector and hand-brake lever, twin cup-holders and large-capacity storage box.

Three trim levels and a wide range of options

Kia Venga will be available in three trim levels (LX, EX and TX) from launch, offering consumers a good breadth of choice, plus a selection of individual options.

Following the best Kia tradition, even in ‘base’ LX specification Venga is fitted as standard with many equipment options only available at extra cost on competitor vehicles. The well-appointed interior features a height adjustable driver’s seat, while in the rear, the 60/40 split rear seat has a folding centre armrest and a sliding and a ‘fold & dive’ facility to offer a flexible load area. Electric front windows, four audio speakers and rear seat ventilation ducts are also included as standard.

Venga EX trim adds a high-specification radio/CD audio system with six speakers (including two ‘tweeter’ speakers), plus CD, MP3 and AUX input capabilities. Comfort is enhanced by the addition of manual air conditioning, and convenience is boosted by keyless entry and a fold-away key.

Top level TX trim for Venga brings a number of design flourishes to Venga, including 16 inch diameter alloy wheels, front fog lamps, electric folding door mirrors with side repeater and electric rear windows. Inside, there is a leather steering wheel, with wheel-mounted audio equipment remote controls, cruise control and speed limiter, high-gloss centre stack, leather/cloth interior upholstery and driver’s seat armrest.

In addition to the generous standard specification, buyers will also be able to personalise their car by choosing equipment from an extensive list of options.

The most striking of these options is the all-glass panoramic sunroof. This two-piece tilt ‘n’ slide sunroof covers almost the entire top of the car, bringing light and a feeling of heightened spaciousness to the entire cabin. Satellite Navigation, voice activated Bluetooth connectivity and a variety of audio systems are among the options - as are fully automatic air-conditioning, and heated front seats.

Stylish alloy wheels, up to 17 inch in diameter and darkened privacy glass can be specified to further enhance New Venga’s exterior appearance. In addition, models can be ordered with keyless entry and engine start/stop button, electric heated and folding outside mirrors, and chrome finish exterior door handles.

An optional tyre pressure monitoring system, reverse parking sensors and a reversing camera with interior mirror display screen, are also available for additional driver peace-of-mind.

4. PRACTICALITY & STORAGE

Kia’s B-segment MPV is genuinely ‘uniquely spacious’

In creating Venga, Kia’s design team worked hard to create a package that offers European consumers generous interior space within a modest overall foot-print - without compromising the car’s sensuous exterior lines or driving dynamics.

"From the very start of the design process, Venga needed to be a car that could tick multiple boxes on consumer wish lists" explains Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. "A spacious and flexible interior is a ‘must-have’ for many car buyers, and Venga meets this requirement while also featuring Kia’s striking design language, proving that style and practicality need not be mutually-exclusive."

The 4,068 mm long Venga has an unusually long (2,615 mm) wheelbase for its class, plus a 1600 mm high roofline and class-best 1,765 mm width, to offer interior space comparable to that found in C-segment cars - but within a footprint typical of a B-segment vehicle.

This clever packaging ensures Venga beats competitor brand vehicles for space in many key interior measurements, including front and rear legroom and hip room, as well as luggage space. Venga also offers competitive front and rear headroom, at 1,020 mm and 980 mm respectively.

Flexible solutions for people and cargo transportation

In addition to Venga’s clever interior packaging, which ensures it challenges or beats competitor vehicles for all interior dimensions, the new Kia model features a host of innovative solutions to maximise cabin space.

Should owners require more than the 440 litres of boot space provided in the car’s standard arrangement with all seats up, Venga offers a number of options to expand luggage capacity.

Firstly, a two-tier boot space floor means that owners have the option of using a lower level floor to quickly and easily increase the luggage compartment’s height by 163 mm, extending total volume to 570 litres. The clever design allows delicate, unstable items (such as potted plants or glass bottles) to be transported safely and securely in the boot area, by simply using the lower floor.

For carrying bulkier items, Venga’s 60/40 split rear seats can also slide forward individually by up to 130 mm, or, if more space is required, the rear seats feature split ‘Fold & Dive’ functionality. This useful feature creates a completely flat floor for the rear load area - without the need to adjust or remove the seat headrests.

With both rear seats folded flat, Venga boasts a voluminous 1552 mm long cargo area, with a total capacity of 1,253 litres when loaded to the roof.

5. ENGINES

128 to 75 ps power range and choice of four power plants

The all-new Kia Venga will be available at launch with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, mated to a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. All powertrain options will deliver lively, ‘fun-to-drive’ performance in keeping with Venga’s persona, while using the very latest technologies to minimise fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. In EU nations, all engines will comply with Euro 5 standards.

Diesel power is expected to be extremely popular and New Venga will be available with Kia’s all-new ‘U2’ common-rail diesel engine, which has been designed and engineered in Germany and will be manufactured in Slovakia - especially for use in this important Kia newcomer and in the New cee’d.

Fitted with either a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT) or Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) for smooth power delivery across the entire rev range, this new engine is available in two displacements, each tuned to give two power outputs. The 1.4-litre version produces either 90 or 75 ps, and the 1.6-litre unit generates 128 or 115 ps - depending on the market requirements.

The U2 engine is already available with the New cee’d in 1.6-litre guise, but the 1.4-litre engine will make its debut in Venga. Both these U2 engine are cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than their ‘U1’ forebear, while still ensuring a responsive and lively performance.

U2 uses high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT) or variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure it can meet Euro 5 emissions regulations.

To achieve optimum driveability, U2 has been developed to deliver best-in-class power and torque outputs over a broad rev range. Crucially, more than 90% of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, guaranteeing strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

Maximum power is 128 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm is delivered across a 1,900 to 2,750 rpm rev-band.

NVH is well controlled and U2 engine noise has been reduced by 1.1% (to 92 dB at 4,000 rpm) compared to U1. Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended (to 30,000 km or one year) service intervals.

Fitted in New Venga, the 1.4-litre U2 with Start/Stop (ISG) and the new six-speed manual gearbox emits just 117 g/km of CO2. This takes Venga below the crucial 120g/km threshold applicable for taxation purposes across European countries, meaning many owners will be able to enjoy paying reduced or no vehicle taxation, and free parking or other benefits, in some markets.

For customers who prefer a gasoline engine, Venga will also be available with a choice of 1.6 or 1.4-litre engines - popular and well proven units from Kia’s Gamma family. The 1.4-litre version produces 90 ps with a useful 137 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The larger capacity engine is similar to the unit used in Kia Soul and generates a highly competitive 125 ps. As standard it is mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox, and this is the only Venga engine also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel-stretching technology across the range

In a ground-breaking first for its segment, New Venga will offer Kia’s fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) system - which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving - with every engine, both gasoline and diesel, in the Venga line-up.

Working in conjunction with other technologies as part of Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ package, Start/Stop (ISG) helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, enabling certain Venga models to drop below the 120 grams per kilometre carbon dioxide output threshold applicable for taxation purposes in many European markets.

Other innovative technologies fitted to Venga as part of the ‘EcoDynamics’ range include a power-saving alternator management system, a gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage an economical driving style and low-rolling resistance tyres for cars fitted with 15- and 16-inch wheels.

6. TRANSMISSIONS

Fuel-stretching six-speed manual gearboxes for many models

Buyers debating which New Kia Venga to purchase will find they have a choice of either five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. A manual gearbox is fitted as standard on all models, with the automatic available as an extra cost option on the 1.6 gasoline unit.

An all-new six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard on three of the four Venga models powered by the new U2 diesel engine. Made in Europe, the new transmission is lighter, has taller gearing, uses low-viscosity oil and provides a marked improvement in gear change ‘feel’ for a more rewarding driving experience.

Both the five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions incorporate several innovations, including triple axis gear train and multiple-cone synchroniser (on first and second gears), for faster, smoother gear shifts.

The automatic transmission for Venga is a four-speed gearbox similar to the unit fitted in the European-made cee’d. It features an electronic controller, which monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and road speed, ensuring safe gear changes with excellent shift quality, and also adapts the transmission’s characteristics to suit an individual’s driving style.

7. SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR

Fine-tuned for a ‘great drive’ on European roads

The unusually long 2,615 mm wheelbase and wide track of the new Kia Venga MPV have inherent benefits for the car’s ride and handling. New Venga is fitted with a fully independent front and twist-beam rear suspension system, similar to the system used in the Kia Soul, designed to deliver responsive handling and a supple ride.

Kia will be producing the Venga with a single suspension set-up engineered to achieve an excellent ride/handling balance on the widest variety of European roads - with two different dampers to suit the different weights of the diesel and gasoline cars.

At the front, mounted on the same sub-frame that supports the engine and transmission, the MacPherson Struts have co-axial coil springs, offset for smooth operation, together with offset kingpin geometry and a 4 degree castor angle, designed to provide optimal handling stability and improved ride, while allowing the driver to steer and manoeuvre Venga with minimal effort.

The front suspension geometry ensures minimal camber and castor angle changes for good steering stability under all conditions, and the anti-roll bar is mounted directly onto the shock absorber to maximise its effectiveness.

At the rear, the Venga suspension is also sub-frame mounted and employs a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms, designed to deliver a smooth ride and to ensure the minimum intrusion into the trunk space. The coil springs and dampers are mounted separately to ensure smooth operation and minimal intrusion into the cabin/trunk space. In addition, ‘third generation’ hub bearings improve durability and urethane bump stops improve refinement. To optimise use of space, the rear anti-roll stabiliser bar is mounted inside the torsion beam.

Nitrogen gas-filled shock absorbers, tuned to best suit specific market requirements, are standard fit for both the front and rear suspension systems for optimal damping performance and body control.

Electric power steering saves fuel

To save fuel and enable speed-sensitive control of the power steering - New Venga has Kia’s latest Motor Driven Power Steering System (MDPS). With this new system, parking manoeuvres and town driving are easier, while high speed handling is more precise. The gearing ratio of the steering (11.8:1) remains the same for all wheel and tyre variants, and is fine-tuned to deliver good ‘feel’ to the driver under all driving conditions.

The power-assisted rack and pinion system requires just 2.77 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock. The Venga’s small turning circle - just 5.21 metres (kerb-to-kerb) - gives responsive, agile handling in city driving situations.

Kia’s MDPS system in the Venga gives a fuel saving of 3% compared to conventional hydraulic assistance.

Powerful stopping with four discs plus ABS

Every New Venga will be equipped with a power-assisted all-disc braking system which makes maximum use of the space available within the standard 15-inch diameter steel wheels. Ventilated front discs (280 mm diameter) and solid rear discs (258 mm) deliver secure and stable braking performance together with consistent pedal feel. The ESC system is equipped with a hydraulic booster which provides Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) delivering maximum braking power when sensors detect that the driver is executing an emergency stop.

A four-channel, four-sensor, ABS anti-lock braking system is fitted as standard. The system incorporates an Electronic Brake-force Distributor (EBD), helping to distribute braking force evenly between front and rear wheels. The EBD is able to adapt to individual wheel grip conditions, adding a further degree of control and stability. The parking brake is a mechanical unit operating on both rear wheels.

Three-way choice of wheels and tyres

New Venga cars will come with a choice of three wheel and tyre combinations. Depending on the model variants chosen by each market, the LX and EX models will be fitted with 15-inch diameter steel wheels as standard, with full-size 5-spoke moulded plastic trims and 195/65 R15 tyres.

The range-topping TX variant will feature 16-inch ‘no flange’ alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres. As an option, larger diameter 17-inch alloy wheels, also a 5-spoke design, with 205/50 R17 tyres will be available.

All Venga derivatives come with a Mobility Kit to fix punctured tyres and the option of a steel space-saver spare wheel and temporary tyre - located in the trunk floor well.

8. SAFETY

Robust bodyshell, ESC and six airbags for maximum protection

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the new Kia Venga uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. When it goes on sale across Europe, Kia confidently anticipate that Venga will become company’s fourth consecutive Kia model to attain the maximum 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating - placing it among the safest cars in its MPV class.

While developing the all-new Kia Venga MPV, company engineers worked hard to ensure that the latest Kia is one of the safest cars on the market - fully satisfying the ever-increasing consumer expectations of modern car design.

Increased ‘Active’ safety includes ESC availability

Every Venga will be fully equipped to avoid potential accident situations and handle the hazards of everyday motoring. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is increasingly a ‘proven technology’ in accident avoidance and every Venga will feature this system, either as standard or as a factory-fitted option - depending on each market.

This system comes together with all-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and with emergency Brake Assistance System (BAS). ESC is fully automatic and operates at all times, while offering a multitude of benefits. It counters excess oversteer and understeer, improving stability and restoring directional control.

All Venga models will have a powerful all-disc braking system featuring ABS anti-lock with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Additional ‘active safety’ options

The latest Kia will be available with several options which will boost active safety even further. A rear parking assist system, with four bumper-mounted sensors, enhances safety during low-speed parking manoeuvres. A new Kia Reversing Camera mounted just below the hatchback’s handle has a 130 degree wide-angle lens and transmits images to a 3.5-inch LCD display panel set within the cabin’s auto-dimming rear view mirror.

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will also be available - alerting the driver to ‘low pressure’ if any tyre suffers a pressure drop of more than 25 %.

Maximum ‘passive safety’ for maximum protection

Should a collision be unavoidable, new Kia Venga is engineered to safeguard the occupants with a range of passive safety measures as standard - starting with a robust all-steel bodyshell.

State-of-the-art computer-aided design was employed by Kia engineers, to create the Venga MPV bodyshell structure. Featuring high-strength steel in key areas, the bodyshell is designed to offer occupants good protection in front, side, rear and roll-over accidents.

Every Venga sold in Europe will be available with an integrated Safety Restraint System (SRS) consisting of dual front airbags, front side and full-length curtain airbags (to protect the occupants in both seat rows), height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and belt load-limiters, plus three 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants. In addition, ‘active’ front seat head restraints are fitted as standard in all EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland or as an option in other countries.

The passenger side front airbag has an ‘off’ switch so it can be deactivated if small children in a safety-seat occupy that position in the car. All Venga models will be fitted with two ISOFIX anchor points and Top Tether anchorages in the outside positions of the rear seat for the attachment of appropriate child safety seats and restraints.