Kia Venga

The Kia Venga is coming! Meet the latest addition to the Korean firm’s line-up – a model to rival superminis such as the Ford Fiesta. Based on the No 3 concept displayed at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the Venga debuts in production trim at Frankfurt next month. It’s designed, engineered and built in Europe, and aimed at European buyers who love small, neatly packaged cars.

At 4,068mm, the Venga is a few millimetres longer than a Fiesta, and Kia claims it makes use of every inch of that inside. Clever 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to create a roomy luggage bay, while a twin-level boot floor adds extra versatility. A tilt and slide panoramic glass roof gives an airy, premium feel, too.

There’s a choice of 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol and 115bhp 1.6-litre diesel engines, and both will be available with stop-start technology, to maximise fuel economy.

The Venga will hit dealers across Europe later this year and in the UK early in 2010.