Kia to celebrate world premiere of Venga mini-MPV and European premieres of the cee’d facelift, Sorento crossover and Forte LPi hybrid in Frankfurt!
Kia today announced it will showcase several production-ready vehicles at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show designed and built for Europe, as well as demonstrate its “green” credentials with the introduction of Eco-Dynamics sub-brand and the eye-catching Forte based hybrid car.
Taking centre stage for its official world premiere will be the eye-catching B-segment MPV, called Venga. Also debuting at the Frankfurt auto show will be a completely redesigned Kia Sorento crossover and restyled cee’d hatchback. Put on display alongside the eye-catching Venga will also be the Forte LPi hybrid car and hybrid versions of Sorento and cee’d!
In addition, Kia will officially present its brand-new “EcoDynamics” brand, which will soon be applied to the most eco-friendly cars within each Kia model range.
The all-new Kia Venga
The all–new Kia Venga mini-MPV, due to be launched in European markets towards the end of 2009 or early in 2010 will be Kia’s first foray into popular B-segment MPV market, currently dominated by Opel Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. Styled and engineered at Kia’s European R&D centre in Germany, the all-new Venga features an unusuall sporty and athletic stance for its segment.
Venga – means “to come” in Spanish language – features a very long wheelbase of 2.615 mm, meaning the model has a very spacious interior architecture with levels of interior space closer to the C-segment vehicles. Kia Venga is equipped with a range of fuel-sipping diesel and gasoline four-cylinder engines that generate from 75 to 126 horsepower.
Every engine in the Venga line-up will be available with Kia’s Idle Stop & Go -ISG technology, first introduced in the cee’d hatchback.
When Kia introduced the Soul crossover at Paris auto show last year, the company has set up a special “Soul zone” where it has displayed seven-uniquely styliazed Souls. Apparently the “Soul zone” has been a success so Kia will again set up a very similar “Venga zone” to display five unique Venga mini-MPVs. Kia Venga will make its world premiere on the opening day of the Frankfurt motor show – September 15th (13:00 CET).
New Kia cee’d
Kia cee’d, the most successful Kia car in Europe to date, has been slightly redesigned for the 2010 model year. The model has received the latest version of Kia’s design DNA, giving it the whole new exterior look and stronger road presence. In addition to exterior refinements, the 2010 Kia cee’d hosts a number of interior enhancements as well as equipment updates.
Inside, the 2010 cee’d gets a new-style steering wheel and gear lever, a new centre stack and new audio systems, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and all-red dashboard lighting.
Just like Venga, the new cee’d will also be equipped with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG technology on both, gasoline and diesel engines. Under the hood, there will be an all-new 126 horsepower 1.6L diesel engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission. According to Kia, the combination of technical enhancements and new technology will significantly reduce the fuel consumption (-5%) of the car, while at the same time cut the CO2 emmissions to only 110g/km.
Kia Sorento
The all-new 2010 Kia Sorento will be available as a five- or seven-seater and will offer more spacious and luxurious cabin than its predecessor. The 4.7-metre long SUV is significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38.
Kia engineers ditched the old body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new monocoque bodyshell – achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg and improved refinement. The 4.7-metre long SUV is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38.
The most popular engine choice in Europe is expected to be the all-new 2.2-litre diesel which produces 197 ps. It will be offered with a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission.
Available high-tech features on the new Sorento will include: keyless entry, engine start button, safety reversing camera and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Kia “EcoDynamics” sub-brand
The Frankfurt Show will mark the world premiere of Kia’s new “EcoDynamics” sub-brand – the name which will be applied to the most eco-friendly cars within each Kia model range, as innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies are progressively introduced.
The EcoDynamics vehicles at the show will be equipped with ISG to automatically switch off and then restart the engine in congested city driving, a power-saving alternator management system, a gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage an economical driving style and low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.
Future EcoDynamics vehicles will also feature additional C02 and pollutant reducing technologies such as streamlining body parts, alternative fuel capabilities, high-efficiency transmissions and hybrid, electric or fuel-cell powertrains.
While delivering significant environmental benefits, Kia’s EcoDynamics vehicles will retain a sporty design, fun-to-drive performance and a strong appeal for the young-at-heart. The ‘EcoDynamics’ zone at Frankfurt will display three new models – the Forte LPI Hybrid, cee’d Hybrid and all-new Sorento Hybrid.
Kia Forte LPI hybrid
Kia has transported a Forte LPI Hybrid sedan to Europe for the first time to preview an extensive “real world” research programme it will undertake in 2010. Although the C-segment Forte is not marketed in Europe, next year Kia is planning to operate a test fleet of 36 Forte LPI Hybrid cars across the region.
The fleet of Forte LPi hybrids will be available for media to test-drive and will be used to assess the feasibility of large-scale commercialization of LPI hybrids for the future.
This new model, which is already on sale to the public in Korea, is powered by a 114 ps, 1.6-litre engine running on liquid petroleum gas, mated to a hybrid powertrain with a 15 kW, 105 Nm electric motor, a 180V lithium polymer battery pack and a CVT gearbox, fuel-stretching ISG and ‘regenerative braking’ to re-charge its power pack. Aerodynamic drag is reduced to just Cd 0.26, fuel consumption is lowered to 5.6l/100km[1] and CO2 emissions are only 99 g/km.
Kia cee’d hybrid and Kia Sorento hybrid
Also making their first appearance at Frankfurt are the new-look Kia cee’d Hybrid and the new Kia Sorento Hybrid concept cars. Created at Kia’s European R&D Centre as research “tools”, these vehicles will be tested over many thousands of kilometres across Europe and will generate data for inclusion in the design process of Kia vehicles during the next decade.
The new-look cee’d Hybrid powertrain is similar to the Forte, but the 1.6-litre engine runs on gasoline. The new Sorento Hybrid is powered by an all-new powertrain, with Kia’s new U2 1.6-litre diesel engine fitted with twin-turbochargers to generate more than 163 ps (120 kW). The diesel engine is mated to an electric motor and drives the front wheels via a new double-clutch transmission offering a choice of fully-automatic, or manual sequential gear changes. CO2 emissions are reduced to just 119 g/km.
Stay tuned for more Kia news from Frankfur Auto Show!
September 1st, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hi Himi, I believe the Venga is equipped with petrol and diesel engines that generate from 75 to 115 horsepower and not 126 hp.
September 1st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hi ks34, I have checked latest official Kia press release and there’s a 75 to 126 horsepower rating.
This is what it says: “Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe and offered with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 126 ps.”
But you are right, when Kia UK released first official Venga press release a few weeks ago, they provided different data:
“will be offered a choice of two 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 115 ps.”
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I believe that Kia will use latest U2 diesel engine, which will also be available in the cee’d facelift. The U2 diesel generates 126 horsepower, while previous version of 1.6L generated 115 hp.
September 1st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
BTW: How do you like the new Venga mini-MPV?
September 1st, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Himi, the Kia press centre isn’t yet updated but if they will use the new U2 diesel engine in the Venga even better.
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Well, I really like the Venga, it seems to be a great little car like the Honda Jazz but with a more sophisticated design and better engine options. The tail lights from the concept are more atractive but overall is a very nice car. Next year I will replace my current car and the Venga is at the top of my want list. I’m just afraid it will be to expensive in my home country. I’m almost sure the top spec (1.6 CRDi TX) will cost more than 20.000 €.
September 1st, 2009 at 7:34 pm
so the forte LPi will sell in europe? this will be really good for Kia. i remember someone on this blog saying that there is no tax on cars producing less than 100g/km in europe or something like tht. if the hybrid sorento comes here it will be taken in Dubai’s green taxi fleet.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
And Kia is NOT selling those Venga and Ceed’s in US because WHY? Cause they are assholes… T___T
I know this is off topic for us Americans here, Kia had sales increase of over 60% compared to same month last year. No articles about it yet?
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
For the first time in history, Kia broke 40,000 units in the US (40,198 exactly), that should be about the biggest Kia news the blog’s ever seen!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 am
I’m sure the glabal version of Venga (possibly Rio) will look better. and Kia isnt the only brand that designs certain cars specifically for europe. almost all manufacturers do it.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Well, if te US want the Venga than the UK should be able to get the Forte and the Forte Koup then! =(
The Forte Koup would REALLY and I mean REALLY boost the brand’s image in the UK! =(
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Why would it? It’s not gonna do a damn thing in the USA but make the brand look like a fool! A brand image can’t be determined just by the exterior looks of a vehicle, it actually has to have a FEATURES list that delivers. I think the near worthless Rio has as many features than the about equally as worthless Koup. If Kia keeps up this trend, I’ll go to Honda. Kia is just pissing me off. Who in the hell gets to determine what features the cars have? Whoever this is needs to be IMMEDIATELY fired!! Kia must stop focusing on exterior looks alone, because they may be able to bring a customer in, but it is the interior and the features that really sell the car. The Venga’s eccentricity would be the butt of ugly jokes in the USA, and a huge criticism point for Kia, the Rio needs to be less “weird”.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Oh, and that gear shift up/down indicator better be able to be disabled. That is the most annoying feature in the world.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I am always amazed reading how many damn’s, fool’s, worthless’es, pissing me off’s and ugly jokes’ Greg can fit in one post…
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I’m actually getting really good at it as I watch Kia’s interior quality deteriorate.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Haha @ bornloser =D good one.
Kia’s interior quality is NOT deteriorating!
Compare the current Rio’s interior with the interior of the Venga and try and tell me that the Venga’s interior isn’t better made, better designed and made from better quality materials. Also try and tell me that it isn’t better equipped!
Apparently the Kia Venga has a sliding rear bench as well – so the INTERIOR is even more PRACTICAL than the Rio’s. Can better design, better looks, better packaging and better practicality really be a sign of deteriorating quality? I think not
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Now I do think the Venga’s dashboard looks a bit cluttered and could have been better thought out, but it’s WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better than the Rio’s!
PLUS (unlike the UK Rio’s) IT HAS A BUILT IN STEREO (not a ugly aftermarket one)!! If that isn’t a sign of improved quality then I don’t know what is
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
And the Soul still out sold the cube. And I was sure the Cube would outsell the Soul with the Cash for clunckers program. And No way is Kia’s interior quailty deteriorating.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:13 am
Oh no? Look at the 08 Optima vs. the 09 Optima. The 08 Optima has higher quality leather material, dual compartment center console, 5 speed seat warmers, upholstered seat backs, and compare the cupholders in the 08 and the 09. Look at the Forte. The gap between the door panels is unsightly, the plastic on the doors is of awful quality, and on the leather models, the side of the seat facing the center console is cloth! Also, the rear ledge is plastic, and the trunk lid, hood, and doors feel like they are made of tin foil! The SPECTRA has a higher side impact rating, too. The Rio can’t be compared with anything else Kia makes because the current Rio was uncompetitive when it was introduced four years ago. All MY2009 Kias in the US come with a stock radio. I hate the look of aftermarket stereos in Kias.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 am
‘Venga de Kia?’ Literally translates to ‘It comes from Kia?’
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 am
So I guess you don’t want the 2011 Kia Optima then.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:28 am
I just hope it has a decent interior. The Koup and Sorento have a decent interior, hopefully the rest of Kia’s cars follow suit. Why can’t the sedan and Koup have the same materials?
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 am
Well if you should find how Kia could purchase all that very expensive raw material and sell them for less than Toyotas. When you find how to do that, tell Kia (you’ll get paid too) and that way you’ll get the interiors you want at a price that not too expensive. I can’t see paying $25,000 for a B segment with Lexus like interior.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
I really am upset at the cost-cutting measures taken on optima. All those features tht attracted me to it are mostly gone… I might get a 2010 tucson instead.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
Well if You want the KIA with an interior like that at the price like that, the Hyundai will be your choice for the future.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
I think the Venga is fine, it should just be made a little more aggressive with a hybrid option and a Turbo option and have a Rio badge slapped on it and sold in America.
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HyundaiKIA hurry with with your small car hybrid systems and just sell them Please? I bet the quality is dammed good, stop worrying about quality with the silly delays, JUST SELL EM!!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
HyundaiSmoke, I 2nd all of your emotions above completely! Get a sporty small rig over here with hybrid and turbo options and put a Rio name on it pronto! It’s a segment that will get response over in da States.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Why is everyone so keen to put a Rio badge on it…
Past Rios have always been way behind competitors and selling the Venga with its new name would help create a new image for Kia’s small cars – kinda like not calling the Forte, Spectra in America (as to distance it from its bland predecessor)
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I think the Rio name is fine with Kia for the next geneartion B segment sedan. I really do. But if they change that’s ok too. But I like the Name and plus not many cars start with R (I know that’s not a good reason for the Rio name to stay) And last but not least it sounds a lot better than Venga. That name just want do in America. And is the V making a B sound? I bet the next Rion is just finishing up in the wind tunnel and is about to see sunlight for the first time real soon.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 pm
If you noticed I blame it more on Hyundai than Kia when it comes to interiors that have been deleted from the last models.The facelifted Sonata’s interior ain’t missing nothing like the Optima’s. the Facelifted Sonata’s interior is totally redesigned compared to the Optima’s which only changes really is the red lighting. They took Kia’s minivan, took the Rio design and they always want more higher technology than Kia. Hyundai got navagation first and if you guys think Hyundai would let Kia’s Forte get Automatic climate and navagation in that before the Elantra think again. While Hyundai has the Equus coming to the States and will have a V8 too, Kia’s only V8 is the Borrego while the CH won’t have one. I think Hyundai is selfish.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Oh yeah, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is getting AWD, if the Vg is only FWD don’t think Hyundai is going to grant Kia’s wish by making the next Optima have AWD too. Kia would be lucky enough if Hyundai gave the VG AWD. But Hyundai gets two RWD cars.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I got something that will cheer you guys up. You think Kia’s interiors are going down? Take a look at the redesigned Lexus GX’s exterior and interior then look at the Kia Borrego interior, better yet like at the Kia Venga’s interior. What’s up with Toyota’s designs thees days?
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I am liking what I see for the 2010 Rio, but the 2010 Rio is a temporary fix until the 2012 Rio Gets here. The 2011 Optima is getting AWD, too. AWD won’t come for the VG until after the new Optima is launched.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:37 am
More pictures of the Venga would be nice.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:15 am
“AWD won’t come for the VG until after the new Optima is launched” Yeah that’s Hyundai for you. Hyundai doesn’t want the VG to have AWD because the Azera doesn’t have it.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:36 am
I just confirmed the final figures regarding horsepower for the Venga (diesel) and there’s a range of 75 – 128 from the 1.4L to 1.6L engines. Hope that helps.
For gasoline, it’s 90 (1.4L) and 125 (1.6L).
September 4th, 2009 at 3:27 am
Too bad that diesel not coming to the states. Why? Because Hyundai doesn’t want Kia to do anything first.
September 4th, 2009 at 4:27 am
Lmao JTZ, look We have to make KIA the New VW first but with KIA quality of course. If KIA improves and people accept it, I think KIA can grow to be an Audi like brand. Koreans do cheap luxury cars better than cheap econo cars anyway. KIA will be eventually forced to go upmarket, becuase they are Koreans. We are doing to KIA what we have been doing to Hyundai this decade.
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We have to Grow Hyundai to be the upmarket brand, and then Grow you guys so one day in about 5-10 years you will be an upmarket brand too. Both of our brands will democratize luxury in these 20 years.
September 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hi Pamela, thanks for the information. I believe the 1.4 diesel engine is the same from the i20. They could also add the same engine but with 90hp. Nonetheless, I remember to read on Autobild that Kia at the end of 2010 could add to the range a new economical 1.4l diesel engine via a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).
September 4th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Thanks for the info regarding hp ratings, Pamela!!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Check this road test on the new Sorento.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0909_2010_kia_sorento_review/index.html