The Venga hatchback is the third B-segment car to come from Korean manufacturer Kia and this belt-and-braces approach to secure a sizeable market share in the supermini category looks pretty foolproof. The unremarkable-yet-highly-affordable Rio should keep the value-seekers happy, the Soul 'urban cruiser' will appeal to those after something a bit different and the Venga is there to turn the heads of diehard Ford Fiesta buyers.
So, with three different models for one segment Kia's triumvirate of B-players should keep Ford and Vauxhall honest. On paper, Kia has it right. The Venga, offered with 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.6-litre petrol, covers most of the essential supermini requirements: it's roomy, smart, frugal and with prices ranging from £11,495 to £15,395, it is competitive.
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you never feel very connected to the road |
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But does it have the road manners to take on the supermini giants? Well, not really. We tested both 1.4-litre engines and they were found wanting both for performance and handling. The 89bhp five-speed petrol will take you from 0-60mph in 12.4 seconds and the six-speed diesel, with an identical power output, chugs along for 14 seconds until it gets to the standard benchmark.
In the corners the Venga is underwhelming. Although grip levels are satisfactory and body lean reasonably well contained, you never feel very connected to the road. It is prone to understeer and if you factor in the stodgy steering, a notchy gearchange and overly firm ride, there's little to get excited about. The diesel is worst of all: it labours throughout the rev range and is way too vocal to be tolerable.
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