Kia Venga Gets Design Award

The Korean car manufacturer Kia has received the red dot design award for its new MPV, the Venga. The car has been picked as the winner of the "product design" category for the compact MPV's departure from the conventional mini-van profile. This is not the first time Kia has been recognized at the red dot awards, as Kia Soul received an "honorable mention" in 2009.

"Our design teams can be truly proud of this additional red dot award. It underscores the success of our design strategy," says Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer at Kia Motors. "B-segment MPVs have traditionally been a class of vehicle purchased for practical reasons. The Kia Venga is set to change that. Its balanced architecture, spacious interior and dynamic silhouette demonstrate that style and utility make a perfect match. The Kia Venga is a car people will want to be seen in."

The Venga will officially go on sale this year. The MPV features Start-Stop technology with both the gasoline and the diesel engines. Venga will only be sold in Europe and will offer 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 128 PS. A 60/40 split rear seat will be offered as standard while a tilt-&-slide, all-glass panoramic sunroof will come as optional.

Three trim levels are available, LX, EX and TX. The top of the range version is the TX which comes with 16 inch diameter alloy wheels, front fog lamps, electric folding door mirrors with side repeater and electric rear windows. Kia also offers a leather steering wheel, with wheel-mounted audio equipment remote controls, cruise control and speed limiter, high-gloss centre stack, leather/cloth interior upholstery and a driver’s seat armrest.