KIA VENGA MPV FULL REVIEW

Kia Venga MPV full 9 point review

Performance

2 out of 5 stars

Your best bet is the 89bhp 1.4 petrol model. It's the cheapest to buy and the perky, eager engine really suits the car. The 89bhp 1.4 diesel is best left alone: its fuel economy is vastly superior to the petrols', but it's not particularly flexible. We haven't driven the 123bhp 1.6 petrol yet, but that one is available only with an automatic gearbox.
Ride & Handling

2 out of 5 stars

The Venga is generally pretty comfortable. The suspension does a good job of taking the sting out of big bumps, but the ride can feel a little knobbly on average surfaces. Its tall body leans quite a bit in corners, and the steering has virtually no feedback, although there's enough grip to make it feel secure.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

The smaller petrol engine does a decent job of melting into the background at cruising speeds, but the diesel is coarse – giving off too much noise and vibration at all times. In fact, there's so much engine noise that you won't hear the moderate levels of wind- and road noise that is audible in the petrol version. The suspension is a little noisy in both versions.

Buying & Owning

2 out of 5 stars

Value for money usually forms an enormous part of a Kia's appeal, but the Venga isn't especially cheap. Kias aren't usually too strong on resale values, either. Still, the 1.4 petrol averages more than 45mpg, while the diesel version will better 62mpg.
Quality & Reliability

2 out of 5 stars

The Venga's interior looks reasonably smart, but the plastics are too hard and shiny in one or two places. The slick weighting of the switchgear is pretty impressive, though, and there's the peace of mind that a seven-year warranty brings.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Safety is key in MPVs, whatever their size. That's why Kia has installed stability control in every single Venga – along with front, side and curtain airbags and active anti-whiplash head restraints. It's all very effective, as the five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating shows.

Behind The Wheel

2 out of 5 stars

A high driving position gives a good view of the road ahead, and the split windscreen pillars - with their large glass panels - help make visibility better. The seat and steering wheel adjustment could do with more range, though. The amount of buttons on the dashboard is a little daunting, too.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

There's lots of interior space for a supermini-sized car, thanks to the tall body and relatively big boot. The sliding rear seats also mean you can alter the bias between the two. The rear seats drop down flat when you want extra cargo space, and a removable boot floor can be shifted upwards to give a level load area. It all works reasonably well, but it's nothing revolutionary.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

The Venga range structure is as simple as 1, 2, 3. The entry-level 1 models come with remote control locking, electric front windows and a CD player with USB socket, while 1 Air trim brings air-con. Stepping up to a 2 brings alloy wheels and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Range-topping 3 models have climate control, privacy glass, powered rear windows and a panoramic sunroof.