Kia Venga to take on the Ford Fiesta

Based on Kia's No 3 concept which they showed at March's Geneva Motor Show, the Venga is expected to be officially unveiled at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show. Following in the footsteps of its Cee'd bigger sibling, the Venga is designed, engineered and built in Europe, and aimed at European buyers who love small, neatly packaged cars.

At 4068mm, the Venga is slightly longer than the Fiesta, and combined with the car's 1600mm height and 2615mm wheelbase, Kia promises a very spacious and versatile car. Clever 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to create a roomy luggage bay, while a twin-level boot floor adds extra versatility. A tilt and slide panoramic glass roof gives the cabin an airy sensation.

Two engines will be made available at the start, a 1.4 litre petrol engine producing 74bhp and a 1.6 litre diesel with 115bhp. Stop-start technology will be standard to maximise fuel economy.

The Kia Venga is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year or early next year.