Alternative review of Kia Venga

Supermini MPVs set out to combine the qualities you get from small cars with some you'd normally associate with larger ones: compact size, low running costs and manoeuvrability mixed with practicality and versatility. Sounds like a winning formula but pulling it off successfully isn't always easy. The Venga is Kia's attempt at creating a supermini MPV package that hits the right notes with UK buyers. Perhaps it doesn't have the exuberant design features of the leading alternatives but Kia looks to have the important bases covered. When you see the individual looks of the Nissan Cube or the Citroen C3 Picasso or check out the novel rear-hinged back doors of a Vauxhall Meriva, you might conclude that the Kia Venga is lacking a dash of wow-factor. It's true that the car doesn't immediately leap out as a triumph of design innovation but it's not without its strengths. It certainly didn't take me long to warm to its low key approach.

The Venga is a little over four meters long which is about standard for a modern supermini but it's designed with its wheels pushed right out to the corners and that helps free-up the maximum interior space. This layout also helps the car look planted and purposeful on the road and it's one of the sportiest supermini MPVs to look at, even if there aren't the inventive styling details to help it stand out further. The exterior gets the Venga off to a good start, but the cabin is what it's all about here. There's plenty of legroom in the back and a boot of 440-litres that can be extended by sliding the rear seat forward or utilising the two-tier boot floor. Kia's Fold & Dive seating system features and gives the option of collapsing the back seats to make more luggage capacity. The 60:40 split rear seats drop to create a flat load floor with a 1,253-litre total capacity. Kia's quest to enhance the quality of its products has been a successful one and the parts of the Venga that you look at and touch most regularly appear to be a match for the sector's finest. The design is uncomplicated and there are nice details like the tactile metallic bezels on the main dials and the crisp illumination of the instruments. What's still slightly lacking is attention to the minor details that come together to create that crucial impression of quality. Some of the materials on the door inserts and below the steering wheel are cheap and ill fitting, the glovebox closes with a plastic clang and a resolute slam of the door provokes a slight rattle. With a few minor niggles tightened up, the Venga would be as good as the top supermini MPVs.

The common-rail diesel will be the most popular engine. It's a 1.4 CRDi unit that's part of Kia's 'U2' generation of diesel engines utilising particulate filters and exhaust gas recirculation to achieve clean running to go with their punchy performance. The 1.4-litre CRDi is available with 89bhp and generates 220Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750rpm. The alternatives to diesel power are a couple of petrol engines, a 1.4 and a 1.6. Respectively, these generate 89 and 123bhp with torque outputs of 137 and 156Nm. The actual handling of the Venga is worthy of praise with the well-weighted steering provoking crisp responses. Don't expect anything too dynamic because this is a taller vehicle than a conventional supermini and its height is felt in corners through a bit of body roll. The chunky steering wheel feels good in the hands and the upright driving position affords good visibility, although the A-pillars do obstruct your view on roundabouts.

In the final reckoning, the Venga is a strong supermini MPV effort from Kia. There are some talented cars in this area of the market aiming to fulfil the needs of customers who require a little more practicality than a standard supermini can offer but the Kia competes well with them. It's a handsome car without serious drawbacks in the driving experience and the cabin is impressively roomy. It's not the highest tech or the most adventurously designed choice but value for money and Kia's superb warranty count in its favour.

TOP 5 VENGA DEALS

The results below show the top VENGA deals on buyacar

Kia Venga 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics 3 5dr diesel hatchback
Price £13,735 Read Venga Reviews	Save £3,240
Kia Venga 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics 3 5dr [Sat Nav] diesel hatchback
Price £14,501 Read Venga Reviews	Save £3,469
Kia Venga 1.6 3 5dr Auto [Sat Nav] hatchback
Price £14,375 Read Venga Reviews	Save £3,385
Kia Venga 1.6 2 5dr Auto hatchback
Price £12,547 Read Venga Reviews	Save £2,838
Kia Venga 1.4 EcoDynamics 1 5dr hatchback
Price £9,593 Read Venga Reviews	Save £2,002
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