KIA Venga Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Revealed for the first time in 2009, the Kia Venga was a 5-door high-roof mini MPV. It was manufactured by the Korean company for the European market and it was designed by Gregory Guillaume.

The Kia Venga shared the platform with the Kia Soul.

The facelift version released in 2014 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

The exterior design was refreshed with new front and rear ends for a sportier look.

The interior wasn’t left aside and was improved with more equipment and quality finishes. The top of the range trim level offered features that were previously not available for the Venga.

The Venga offered for engine options, all of them being fuel efficient and with enough power for a good ride.

Two gasoline engine were available, a 1.4-liter with 89 hp and a 1.6-liter with 123 hp. The first was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the bigger 1.6-liter could be also mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Standard across the range, the Venga was equipped with an electronic power-assisted steering, ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control with brake assist. A hill-start assist control was also fitted, aiding the driver with holding the car for 2 seconds.

As any Kia, the Venga had a 7-year or 100,000 mile warranty.

In 2009, Kia unveiled the small MPV Venga at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was offered only for ten years and it didn't have a successor.

The economic crisis was not done yet when the Kia launched the Venga at the Frankfurt Motor Show, an exhibition where more car-makers were absent. But Kia moved on with their new product. They had to show it to the public and make it a commercial success. It was built in the new Kia factory from Slovenia.

The design was made in Europe, at the Hyundai-Kia Russlesheim design center and it was built for Europe. It featured a small-MPV design, over a small-class platform. It featured a high greenhouse and big windows all-around to enhance visibility. The “tiger-nose” grille designed by Peter Schreyer might have been looked aggressive on other vehicles, but not on the Venga.

The high greenhouse allowed a higher seating position and more legroom for the rear passengers. The completely flat floor allowed good seating for three adults in the back. The rear bench seatback featured a reclining system, for more comfort.

Under the hood, there were four engines offered, two with gasoline and to diesel. Depending on the engine version, the standard transmission was a 5- or 6-speed manual. A choice for 4- or 6-speed automatic was on the options list.