SEOUL, South Korea — Kia on Monday showed off images of its Venga B-segment car, which is bound for a world debut in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. But the Venga, which appears to be a tamer version of the Kia Soul, is not in the cards for the U.S., Kia Motors America said.
"No, not scheduled for the U.S.," said Alex Fedorak, Kia Motors America public relations director, in response to an e-mailed query about the Venga on Monday.
The Venga is based on the No. 3 MPV concept that was on display at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, Kia noted. The concept was originally a study in hyperbole, with its Korean creators nicknaming it the "Million Possibilities Vehicle." At the time of its debut in Geneva, it was regarded as a somewhat domesticated version of the wilder Kia Soul.
The Venga, which rides on a 102-inch wheelbase, will hit the market in Europe in late 2009.
Details include a 60/40-split rear seat that folds flat and an all-glass panoramic roof on some models. Kia said the Venga gets two 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter gas and diesel engines, generating between 74 and 113 horsepower.
Inside Line says: You'll have to admire this Kia from afar, since the automaker is not bringing it to the U.S. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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phill1 says:
09:54 AM, 03/20/2010
If the Venga is not headed for North America, what is going to replace the aging Kia Rio and Rio5? You can put lipstick on a pig but its still a pig. The 06` Rio is old news now even with the updated grill. Better hurry to replace the Rio and the Accent. Ford Feista is going to OWN the B-Segment starting this Summer!