FIRST DRIVE KIA VENGA:It may sound like a dire 1990s pop band but the Kia Venga doesn't deserve to be snubbed, writes PADDY COMYN
LONG BEFORE we got used to the idea of shopping in cut-price German supermarkets, we used to turn our noses up at the prospect of buying non-brand items to stock our home larders.
Few of us initially strayed into these large bargain palaces, as the idea of not being able to buy well-known brands was abhorrent. We had worked hard to get to a point where we could afford expensive washing powder and eight-ply toilet roll. Our collective psyche was that of a country that was enjoying being prosperous.
Then, even before the economic crash, we wandered into the German supermarket – and it was a revelation. They had high quality stuff that was better than much of what we were used to – and there was no turning back. We bought sanders, skiing equipment and fondue sets we didn’t need because they were too cheap to ignore.
Now we wouldn’t be without our cut-price uber supermarkets. Kia could be considered in the same vein. Here is a brand that we used to turn our noses up at because their cars were rubbish. Up to a couple of years ago, you only bought a Kia out of pure necessity and, well, they were cheap. But take another look. Kia has cars like the clever Soul. It has shown that with cars like the oddly named cee’d, it can make a worthy mainstream family car and the Sportage and Sorrento SUVs have become bestsellers.
Kia’s march towards the top of the sales chart continues and it’s not hard to see why. The cars look good, drive well and are better equipped than “mainstream” rivals. And guess what? Hyundai and Kia now sell more cars worldwide than Ford. They are the the fourth biggest seller of cars in the world.
Following on from the Soul, a clever, modern family car with an SUV slant, the newest Kia to come to Ireland is the Venga. As we have seen from Kia with the cee’d, cars are still named over a drunken game of Scrabble. The Venga might sound clever in some markets, but it is likely to remind Irish buyers of an annoying 1990s pop band.
Silly name aside, the Venga could best be described as a small MPV. But it is becoming increasingly apparent that trying to classify cars is becoming more and more pointless. Venga has a platform that sits somewhere between supermini and small family car, but has the high roof characteristics of a people carrier as well as the sliding rear seat bench that allows for a choice between generous rear legroom, luggage space or a reasonable amount of both.
In the metal, the Venga is quite a good-looking vehicle. Instead of the rather aggressive grille of the Number 3 concept car, the production Venga has a more friendly face, with the larger Kia badge placed in the centre of the grille. The rear of the car is impressive too, with a strong design that wouldn’t look out of place on a German SUV.
Hop inside and the greatest surprise is the quality of the cabin you are met with. High quality plastics on the areas your eyes and hands spend the most time aren’t what you would expect from a car of this price and there is a distinctively Germanic feel to the layout. The cars, fitted with piano black inserts on the dash, really look first class.
There wouldn’t be any point buying a Venga if space wasn’t a priority for you. This car sits on a very long wheelbase and the sliding rear bench moves 130mm and allows for variations in legroom and bootspace and the luggage compartment also has a split floor that can be raised or lowered to create more room.
The rear seats can be folded flat easily too using “Fold and Dive” technology, which requires just one pull of a lever. This will be great for small families, but we would imagine that older drivers will appreciate the slightly raised driving position and ease of access as a result.
Ireland has opted for one engine – rather sensibly, the 1.4-litre diesel engine which puts out just short of 90bhp. This is twinned with Kia’s ecodynamic package for Irish customers, which means the car gets Intelligent Stop Go technology, where the car will shut off when placed into neutral at a standstill.
There are also low rolling resistance tyres as standard and together these add up to CO2 emissions of 117g/km, meaning annual road tax of just €104.
As well as generous levels of standard equipment which includes air conditioning, audio Bluetooth, iPod compatibility and USB and Aux inputs, the Venga gains Electronic Stability Control as standard, which is to be commended.
This, along with six airbags, means Kia is confident of a five-star Euro NCAP result when the car is tested for safety.
The Venga is unremarkable to drive on the road, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The steering feels accurate enough and the gear change quite fluid and, aside from a rather bulky A-pillar which can hinder your view at junctions, this is an easy car to pilot.
Few Vengas will be bought because they are thrilling to drive, but because they look good, feel well built and offer really superb value.
And it is for those reasons that we would pay special attention to the Venga. Considered as a supermini, the Venga’s €18,395 starting price would seem a little steep, but it feels much more substantial than that.
As a sub-€19,000 family car which is generously equipped – in particular safety features and with a seven-year warranty, the Venga is likely to be a great solution for some.
The car goes on sale immediately at €18,395 for the LX and €19,695 for the EX model, which gains four electric windows instead of two, 16” alloys, privacy glass and leather steering wheel and gear lever.
Factfile
Engine: 1,396cc putting out 89bhp, 220Nm of torque
0-100km/h: 14.5 seconds,
Max speed: 167km/h
Fuel economy: 4.5l/100km
CO2 emissions: 117g/km
Motor tax band: A
Annual road tax: €104
Price: €18,395
On sale: now
