New 2004 Kia Pregio van comes to Europe

• Longer, re-styled model with European appearance
• New-look, better equipped cab for driver-friendly work space
• Revised suspension gives smoother ride, enhanced stability
• Cavernous 4.1 cubic metre, 1,000 kg load capacity
• Proven Diesel engine and exceptional value for money

The Kia Pregio 1,000 kg long-body panel van has been significantly improved for the 2004 model year and goes on sale across Europe during the second half of 2004. The new model, which is available with a choice of three-seater or six-seater cabs, has re-freshed styling with a more European appearance - outside and inside, plus enhanced refinement, improved driving environment and modified suspension. It retains all the useful-everyday features which endeared the original to its numerous world-wide owners and users, including the ultra-reliable high-torque diesel engine.

The 2004 Pregio is available in two trim levels - RS and GS. Standard equipment includes power steering, air-conditioning, electric front windows with auto-down, central locking and a tow-bar - depending on model.

First introduced in late 1995, the Pregio became famed for its ability to ´work like a van and ride like a sedan´. It has a traditional layout, with a longitudinally mounted engine, positioned between the front wheels, beneath the cab, and driving the rear wheels. This layout has two key advantages - the front wheel movement and steering lock are not inhibited by the engine, so the vehicle´s turning circle can be small, and when fully laden a large percentage of the vehicle´s weight is over the driven wheels, giving good traction.

European-type Styling

For 2004, the front of the Pregio has been extended by 80 mm and houses larger, more sculptural headlamps which incorporate the turn-indicators under clear lens. The front bumper design is moulded in special plastic to be stronger and more curvaceous, with a larger, lower air intake. The intake is flanked by twin fog lamps.

The side view of Pregio is enhanced by the extended nose and the fitting of new 6-spoke wheel trims on some models.

At the rear, the new model is distinguished by new lamps clusters with larger turn indicators and brake lights mounted on the body, beside twin fog and reversing lights mounted on the tailgate. The lamps clusters are joined by a deluxe rear garnish and the all-new, stronger rear bumper has a non-slip step plate like an SUV. On RS models the bumpers are black, while for GS models they are painted body-colour.

For 2004, the original range of exterior paint finishes (solid clear white or vivid yellow) is joined by four new metallic colours - clear silver, desert beige, purplish gray and cocoa brown.

Cabin make-over

The cabin features a new design of fascia with the multi-function centre-console angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics and silver-metallic finish for a more distinctive appearance. The new console houses twin adjustable air vents, the (optional) Radio/Cassette or CD unit with large easy-to-use buttons, clock, hazard warning, four rocker switches, a cup holder, a small coin tray and three rotary heating and ventilation controls.

Positioned directly in front of the driver, the instrument cluster presents a large speedometer and rev-counter (optional), flanked by smaller dials for water temperature and fuel status. A new LCD trip-meter is fitted in the bottom of the speedometer.

The new, urethane safety-padded three-spoke steering wheel gives the driver improved grip and feel. The door trim panels have been re-designed with an integral armrests mounting the power window controls, new door handles and larger map-pockets with built-in bottle holders.

Driver and passenger seats have stronger sub-frames, improved cushions and backrests with greater lateral support and larger, height-adjustable head restraints. The centre seat has a fold-flat backrest which drops forward to reveal a large storage area and twin cup holders moulded into its rear face. Additional storage space includes a single cup-holder in the gear-shift console, a large glove-box and a roof-mounted sun-glasses holder - on the GS model.

Spacious Cargo Area

For a panel van that is under 5-metres long, the Pregio offers customers an unbeatable load-carrying ability. On the 3-seater model, maximum load volume is 4.1 cubic metres. Easily loaded and unloaded through the nearside sliding side door (with safety open-lock) and large tailgate, the cargo area measures 2650 mm long, 1560 mm wide and 1340 mm high at its extreme edges. The roof is lined and the lower half of the sides are double skinned, reducing noise, providing heat insulation and protecting the vehicle sides from load damage. The two section load barrier bulkhead behind the cabin has a large window for rear visibility and is fully removable.

Proven Diesel Engine

Kia´s well-proven four cylinder 2.5-litre, type 4D56-TCI diesel engine produces a maximum power of 94 ps (69 kW) at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque 22.5 kgm (221 Nm) at a usefully low 2,000 rpm. This engine meets Euro 3 emissions standards. For the 2004 model, the engine bay has increased sound-proofing and the hinged engine cover is fitted with a heavy-duty acoustic double-seal. The standard transmission for European-market Pregio vans is a five-speed manual gearbox.

Revised Suspension

The original Pregio suspension layout is carried over, but with small changes that bring good customer benefits. Double-wishbone front suspension features an increased castor-angle (from 2.13 to 3.17 degrees) for improved self-centring, a thicker anti-roll bar - up from 23 to 25 mm diameter, with improved attachments to the front sub-frame, for enhanced stability.

At the rear, the two-stage multi-leaf springs have twin rubber pads inserted above and below the springs in each axle clamp and larger bush mountings (up from 40 to 54 mm) at the leading edge of the spring. Both changes enhance the Pregio´s ride and improve refinement.

A limited-slip differential for the rear axle is available as an option for enhanced traction in slippery conditions.

Improved Safety

For fatigue-free, safe driving the Pregio has power-steering and powerful front disc brakes as standard. The van´s steel monocoque body-on-frame construction is immensely strong and has energy-absorbing features. Safety-related equipment includes headlamp-levelling, high-level rear brake light, rear wash-wiper and a ´hold-open´ lock on the sliding door.

For the 2004 model, the fuel tank is moulded in recyclable plastic and has been enlarged by 7.7% (5-litres) to a capacity of 70-litres. A battery-saver turns off all non-essentials whenever the vehicle´s ignition is switched off.

Editors Note
Prices for Pregio will be revealed country by country, near to their ´on sale´ date.

- ends -