Model tested: Kia Venga 2 1.4, Kia Venga 3 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics
Price as tested: £12,695, £15,395
Date tested: January 25, 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 79%
The Venga is an all-new supermini, but it's not aimed squarely at the sales-topping Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa though - its spacious interior and big boot pitch it against models like the Honda Jazz instead.

1. Looks
With a relatively tall roofline, long wheelbase and the widest body in its class, the Venga looks substantial. Its widely spaced headlamps and wide lower grille give it a sporty nose, while bold side swage lines help disguise its height.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The feeling of space is impressive. You sit high up - like in a Honda Jazz - so the view of the road is good. This is also helped by thin A-pillars and extra glass to keep blind spots to a minimum.
8/10

3. Practicality
Thanks to its relatively large size and clever interior packaging, the Venga offers plenty of cabin space. The rear seats can be slid backwards and forwards while the 444-litre boot can be increased to 1,253 litres.
10/10

4. Ride and Handling
It might not be as much of a drivers' car as the Ford Fiesta or Mazda 2, but the Venga is a convincing drive. It feels light on its feet and body roll isn't an issue, despite its tall roof.
7/10

5. Performance
The three engines major on running costs rather than performance. The 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol is the sweetest and does 0-62mph in 12.4 seconds. The 124bhp 1.6-litre petrol, only available with a four-speed automatic box, reaches 60mph in 11.8 seconds. The 89bhp 1.4 litre diesel comes with a six-speed manual box as standard.
6/10

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6. Running Costs
Tthe 1.4-litre petrol averages 45.6mpg and 147g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre auto gives 40.4mpg and 167g/km, while the diesel returns 62.8mpg and emits only 117g/km of CO2.
7/10

7. Reliability
The Venga's build quality and use of proven technology suggest it will be trouble-free. If anything goes wrong, Kia's seven-year warranty should provide reassurance.
9/10

8. Safety
The Venga is loaded with safety kit, including ABS, ESP, traction control and lots of airbags, so it should achieve a five-star EuroNCAP score.
8/10

9. Equipment
All Vengas get front passenger airbag deactivation, electric front windows, remote central locking and a six-speaker hi-fi with USB and iPod connectivity. Posher cars get 16-inch alloys, electric and heated door mirrors, climate control, rear electric windows, panoramic electric sunroof and rear privacy glass.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The Venga offers the interior space of a family hatchback in a supermini package, with a price to match. Starting at £11,495 it's a lot of family-friendly car for the money, buoyed by good looks and that seven-year warranty.
8/10