Kia Venga EV concept car made its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Kia Venga EV concept car is a full-time electric vehicle based on a B-segment Venga mini-MPV, which has been on sale across Europe since January this year. By its looks, the Venga EV concept does not differ from production vehicle. The model features identical exterior and interior design lay-out.

What sets the Venga EV concept vehicle from a production model is placed under the hood and that is an electric motor, which generates 80 kW of raw power and 280Nm of maximum torque. The front wheel-drive concept car also features a twin-pack 24kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack placed under the boot floor, which enables the vehicle to drive 112 miles on a single charge!

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 20 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100 percent power is attained after eight hours.

The latest concept car from Kia is not a sports car, but it provides decent performance. According to Kia, the Venga EV is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 87 miles per hour.

Kia says that Venga EV concept car represents brand’s continuing commitment to earth-friendly research and development and marks an additional dimension in the company’s development of eco-friendly vehicles.

Kia Venga EV concept car gallery:

The upcoming 2010 Kia Venga mini MPV receives prestigious iF product design award!

Stylish Kia Venga mini MPV is not even on sale just yet, but it has already won its very first prestigious accolade. The B-segment mini-MPV, which goes on sale in 2010, has been awarded the iF product design award, which is rated as one of the most prestigious international design awards that a vehicle can receive.

The international jury of experts honored the Kia Venga for its design quality, level of innovativeness and eco-friendliness!

“B-segment MPVs have traditionally been the type of vehicles purchased out of necessity – they are cars of function and practicality,” explains Peter Schreyer - Kia Chief Design Officer- who led Kia Venga’s design team.  “Now all that is about to change.  With the new Venga we have designed a car that will fulfill European consumers’ practical requirements, while also being genuinely desirable and fun to drive.

“The all-new Kia Venga is definitely going to re-ignite interest among consumers in B-segment MPVs, by setting new standards for the class!” added P. Schreyr.

Since its launch in 1953, the iF product design award, which is awarded annually, has been one of the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design.  The award has its origins in the product shows “Die gute Industrieform” (Good Industrial Design) initiated by Hanover Messe and is now one of the world’s largest design competitions.

A total of 2.486 products were entered in 16 different categories for the 2010 iF design award, with Kia Venga winning in the Transportation Design category, which also includes trains, planes, ships and other vehicles.

(more…)

We are bringing you a few close-up shots of the all-new Kia Venga mini-MPV…

Our friends at ceedclub.hu informed us about the images that they posted at their website a few days ago. They have taken some great close-up shots of the upcoming Kia Venga, which is expected to go on sale shortly.

Here are some shots, to see more, head over to ceedclub.hu website, by clicking this link.

Kia Venga gallery:

New Kia Venga; engines, specs, dimensions, warranty, tires & wheels…

When the all-new Kia Venga goes on sale in Europe early next year, it will be available with an exceptionally broad range of diesel and gasoline engines. All of the engines are highly efficient units that provide a respectable amount of power and meet latest EURO5 emissions standards!

Diesel engines

Diesel power in the new Kia Venga comes from two four-cylinder powerplants that feature dsiplacements of 1.4L and 1.6L with outputs spanning from 75 horsepower to 128 horsepower. Kia Venga is also available with a choice of well proven 1.6L or 1.4L gasoline engines from Kia’s Gamma engine family.

Base 1.4L diesel engine is available in two variants, with 75 hp (low power version) and 90 hp (high power version). Similarly, the 1.6L diesel engine also comes available in two variants, with low hp version generating 115 horsepower, while more potent version produces 128 horsepower and maximum torque of 255 Nm.

The U2 diesel engines that are fitted in new Kia Venga have been designed and engineered in Germany and will be manufactured in Slovakia. The 1.6L diesel is already available with the cee’d, while 1.4L diesel propels Hyundai’s i20 hatchback.

The U2 diesel engines are fitted with latest engine technology such as high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system, electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT) or variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). They both have a chain-driven timing system, which means service intervals have been extended to 30.000 km or once per year.

Gasoline engines

Those customers who prefer gasoline engines over diesels will be able to choose between 1.6L or 1.4L gasoline powered engines. Both powerplants belong to Kia’s Gamma engine familly. The smaller, 1.4L engine generates 90 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque at 4.000 rpm, while larger, 1.6L unit churns out a highly competitive 125 ps and 156Nm of torque.

Kia Venga transmissions

Buyers of new Kia Venga will have a choice of five-speed or six-speed manual transmissions and one automatic transmission. Manual five-speed gearbox is fitted as standard on all gasoline powered Venga models as well as on low-output (75 horsepower) diesel powered Venga.

Kia’s all-new six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted to Venga models fitted with 90-hp 1.4L diesel engine and both versions equipped with 1.6L diesel engines, while four-speed automatic gearbox can be ordered as an extra cost option on the 1.6 gasoline unit.

Dimensions & tires

Size wise, the all-new Kia Venga is 4068 mm long, 1765mm wide and 1600mm high. In general, it is a tad shorter than Kia Soul crossover but features longer wheelbase (Venga = 2615mm; Soul = 2550mm). Base Kia Venga ride rides on 15-inch tires, while larger 16 inch and 17 inch are available as well.

Warranty

Just like all European-built Kias, the all-new Kia Venga is also backed by Kia’s Kia’s award-winning 7-Year drivetrain / 5-Year (whole car)  or 150,000 km warranty, plus a 10-Year anti-corrosion warranty.

Following our latest spy report and ahead of its official Frankfurt unveiling, we are bringing you a few extra images of the all-new Kia Venga.

Finally, we can show you some high-quality images of the all-new Kia Venga, which will make its European debut during next week’s Frankfurt motorshow and go on sale in most European markets towards the end of the year or early next year.

The 2010 Kia Venga offers seating for five adult people and eventhough it belongs to the B-segment, it offers plenty of interior space. According to Kia, its interior space is on par with that from C-segment hatchbacks, such as Kia cee’d or VW Golf. Venga’s interior is flexible and features sliding 60/40 split rear seats and twin level boot floor. To maximise its loadspace, rear seats also fold flat into the floor.

Kia Venga is powered with two diesel and two gasoline engines mated to 6-speed manual transmission, while automatic tranny is available as well. All engines in the vehicle’s line-up meet EURO5 emission standards and are available with the ISG ( start & stop) technology.

The upcoming Venga is based on a slightly modified Soul’s platform and will be marketed exclusively for the European market. It was designed to offer maximum protection for the driver and passengers, so a 5-star safety rating is expected from the EuroNCAP crash test, which will be conducted sometime in the spring of 2010.

The all-new Kia Venga will make its official debut on Sept. 15th, so stay tuned as we will closely follow its official debut, as well as cover other Kia’s premieres. We are already excited about that!

New Kia Venga spy shots surface to the web before car’s official unveiling next week.

With facelifted cee’d hatchback, all-new Venga and Sorento crossover scheduled for an official unveiling, visitors of Kia’s Frankfurt auto show stand will have plenty to see. The all-new Venga, which is scheduled to go on sale across Europe early in 2010, will be exhibited at a special “Venga zone” that will display five different Venga cars.

Kia Venga has been first presented as a concept car at the 2009 Geneva auto show in March. Named No3, the concept vehicle gave us the very first preview of the upcoming production car. The concept incorporated Kia’s new family face inspired by the facial features of a tiger and featured large panoramic glass-roof with a diagonal windshield header.

As expected, production No3  Venga lost a big chunk of that glass but thankfully, the rest of the exterior shape remained very close to the concept car.

With 4068 mm in length, 1600 mm height and a 2615 mm wheelbase, the Korean five-door is about the same size as Kia Soul, but offers even more room inside the cabin and promises a class-leading versatility. The five-seat compact MPV is equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay. 

Venga will be available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, generating between 75 to 126 horsepower. To maximise fuel economy, every Venga will be equipped with Kia’s latest ISG (start-stop) system. More details, including pricing will be released during the show. Don’t forget, Kia Venga debuts on September 15th at 13.00 (CET)! [Source: Bobaedream]

Until then, enjoy these close-up Kia Venga spy shots!

Kia Venga gallery:

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.

(more…)

The 2010 Kia Venga spied completely undisguised. Kia plans to officially unveil Venga at Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

One week after Kia released first official photos of its upcoming mini-MPV called the Venga, we bring you the very first live shots of a completely undisguised car that has been spotted in the wild, somewhere in South Korea.

Codenamed YN, the spacious new compact crossover-hatchback from Kia goes on sale across Europe later this year, shortly after it makes its official public debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show opens its doors on September 15th and already on its very first day, we will be able to follow the official premiere of the 2010 Kia Venga.

According to Kia, the all-new Venga will be available with a range of four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, generating from 75 to 115 horsepower and will be mated either to manual or automatic transmissions.

All engines in the Venga line-up will be paired with Kia’s fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go technology and will satisfy EURO5 emission standards. Venga will also be the first compact car from Kia that will be available with huge panoramic glass roof. Full details about powertrains, option packages, pricing and available features will be announced during the upcoming Frankfurt auto show.

Kia will market Venga mini-MPV exclusively for Europe, where the model will also be produced. According to latest un-official news and rumors, Venga will be built by Hyundai at its European manufacturing plant which has an estimated production capacity of 300.000 new cars per year. [Photosource: bobaedream]

Kia Venga spy gallery:

Kia Venga images released ahead of its official Frankfurt Auto Show unveiling.

Kia has released the very first official images and details about its long-awaited B-segment mini-MPV, which will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt auto event in September. In addition, Kia also announced its all-new model will feature a Venga nomenclature.

When Kia Venga goes on sale across Europe, it will be available with a choice of two 1.4L or a 1.6L gasoline and diesel engines. All four engines will be mated to manual or automatic transmissions and will generate from 75 to 115 horsepower. Every single engine in the Venga line-up will be fitted with Kia’s eco-friendly start-stop technology, called Idle Stop & Go -ISG system and will comply with strict EURO 5 emission standards that will go into effect in 2010.

Kia Venga is based on a slightly modified B-segment platform which is also used in the Soul crossover. With its overall length of 4,068mm, the 2010 Kia Venga is just a little shorter compared to the Soul, but features longer wheelbase. The 2,615mm long wheelbase is un-usually long for the B-segment vehicle and promisses to offer levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment car.

Kia’s stylish mini-MPV will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor and a twin-level boot floor. Kia Venga will also be available with tilt-and-slide glass panoramic roof and other luxuries such as heated seats, navigation system, automatic climate control and a wide-angle rear view mirror reversing camera.

The all-new Kia Venga will be built in Hyundai’s European manufacturing plant and will be marketed exclusively for European market. Depending on country, the new Venga is expected to go on sale later this year or early 2010. There are no plans to put Venga mini-MPV on sale in the States.

More images and official information of Kia Venga will be released closer to its inaugural European debut, scheduled for September 15th. Stay tuned forKia-World’s complete Frankfurt auto show coverage!

Kia Venga gallery: