The supremos at Kia are a particularly fortunate bunch. At the start of the Venga compact MPV's development programme three years ago, there was a market move towards larger examples of just about everything on four wheels, so "compact" was arguably a questionable development option. But they pressed on, the great global financial abyss opened up and suddenly the size that mattered in the automotive world was… compact. Lucky Kia. So now they're sitting pretty with what matters: size and timing.
The Venga, designed, developed and built in Europe and on sale from February 1, is potentially just what customers are likely to order. It looks good (design chief is ex-Audi man Peter Schreyer), comes with 1.4-litre diesel and 1.4- or 1.6-litre petrol engines, is roomy, has neat packaging touches and is altogether likeable.At least, I think it is... but I can't be certain.
