South Korean Kia Motors Corp. plans to launch sales in Europe of its all-new Venga multipurpose vehicle soon after the Frankfurt motor show in September, a spokesman tells Ward’s.
“The new (B-segment) MPV is based on the Kia No.3 concept car that was featured at the Geneva auto show and will be available only in Europe,” he says.
“(The car) will be produced at our plant in the Czech Republic and is the third vehicle offered in Europe with a (stop/start) powertrain feature.”
The Venga will be offered with six engine variations. Gasoline and diesel mills will be available in 1.4L and 1.6L. However, the diesel engines also will offer high output versions.
The powertrains range from 75 hp to 115 hp. All drivetrain configurations feature Kia’s Idle-Stop-and-Go, in which the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle stops but restarts at the touch of the accelerator. All meet Euro 5 emissions requirements.
The Venga is 160 ins. (406 cm) long, 63 ins. (160 cm) high, with a 103-in. (262 cm) wheelbase. The vehicle features a 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat to produce a large cargo bay. Some models will be available with a tilt-and-slide, all-glass panoramic roof.
Kia does not plan to build or market a similar vehicle in the U.S. or Korea, the spokesman says.
