|
The all-new Venga, a compact MPV in the Ford Fiesta class, is about to be unleashed on Europe but there are no plans yet to bring it down under. The Venga could easily make the lineup here once the European plan is unrolled and running, but no-one at Kia Australia is prepared to commit despite the incredible potential of a car that is already being called the "final breakthough" in Europe.
The Venga was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the second European-focussed Kia, following the cee'd, and alongside a diesel hybrid Sorento SUV and petrol hybrid Forte sedan.
The Kia stand was dominated by a family of Vengas in different colours and equipment levels, all pointing to the importance of the car.
But the European focus of the Venga, which will be built in the Czech Republic, could go against any moves to get it locally. "At this stage the Venga is not on our radar," says Jonathan Fletcher, spokesman for Kia Motors Australia. "It wasn't originally slated for us. There has been no indication yet of a change to that plan."
Even so, he is not ruling out a backflip that would add the Venga to a lineup which is gaining more power through cars such as the Soul.
The funky compact is already over-achieving on Kia's sales predictions, although it is nowhere near Toyota Corolla-style numbers. "That's not to say the Venga couldn't be on the dance card. It's just on the radar for us," Fletcher says.
The Venga is 4m long but has a wheelbase stretched by placing its wheels at the corners, maximising interior space under a slightly-raised roofline. One of Kia's design tweaks is a double-decker rear luggage space. It will be sold in Europe next year with a choice of 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines.
While the Venga is officially not coming, Kia is already planning for four new models in 2010. "There is a new Sportage for a start. Then new Magentis," says Fletcher."We will have a five-door Cerato and another vehicle that I am not at liberty to speak about at the moment."
|
