Engines

128 to 75 ps power range and choice of up to seven power plants

The all-new Kia Venga will be available at launch with a choice of two petrol and up to five diesel engine versions, mated to a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. All powertrain options will deliver lively, ‘fun-to-drive’ performance in keeping with Venga’s persona, while using the very latest technologies to minimise fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. In EU nations, all engines will comply with Euro 5 standards.

Diesel power is expected to be popular and New Venga will be available with Kia’s all-new ‘U2’ common-rail diesel engine, which has been designed and engineered in Germany and will be manufactured in Slovakia – especially for use in this important Kia newcomer and in the larger Kia cee’d.

Fitted with either a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT, 1.4-litre) or Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT, 1.6-litre) for smooth power delivery across a broad rev range, this new engine is available in two displacements, each tuned to give higher and lower power outputs. The 1.4-litre version produces either 90, 77 or 75 ps, and the 1.6-litre unit generates 128 or 115 ps – depending on the market requirements.

The U2 engine is already available with the New cee’d in 1.6-litre guise, but the 1.4-litre engine is making its debut in Venga. Both these U2 engine are cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than their ‘U1’ forebear, while still ensuring a responsive and lively performance.

U2 uses high pressure common rail injection with a variable swirl control system (up to five injections per cycle), electronically-controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), a Waste Gate Turbocharger (WGT) or variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to ensure it can meet Euro 5 emissions regulations.

To achieve optimum driveability, U2 has been developed to deliver best-in-class power and torque outputs over a broad rev range. Crucially, more than 90% of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, guaranteeing strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

Maximum power is 128 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 260 Nm is delivered across a 1,900 to 2,750 rpm rev-band.

NVH is well controlled and U2 engine noise has been reduced by 1.1% (to 92 dB at 4,000 rpm) compared to U1. Thanks to the fitment of a chain-driven timing system, owners will benefit from extended (to 30,000 km or one year) service intervals.

Fitted in New Venga, both the 1.6- and 1.4-litre U2 engines with Start/Stop (ISG) and six-speed manual gearbox emit just 119 and 117 g/km of CO2 respectively. This takes Venga below the crucial 120g/km threshold applicable for taxation purposes across European countries, meaning many owners will be able to enjoy paying reduced or no vehicle taxation, and free parking or other benefits, in some markets.

For customers who prefer a gasoline engine, Venga will also be available with a choice of 1.6 or 1.4-litre engines – popular and well proven units from Kia’s Gamma family. The 1.4-litre version produces 90 ps with a useful 137 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The larger capacity engine is similar to the unit used in Kia Soul and generates a highly competitive 125 ps. As standard it is mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox, and this is the only Venga engine also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel-stretching technology across the range

In a ground-breaking first for its segment, New Venga will offer Kia’s fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) system – which automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving – with every engine, both gasoline and diesel, in the Venga line-up.

Working in conjunction with other technologies as part of Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ package, Start/Stop (ISG) helps reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, enabling several Venga models to drop below the 120 grams per kilometre carbon dioxide output threshold applicable for taxation purposes in many European markets.

Other innovative technologies fitted to Venga as part of the ‘EcoDynamics’ range include a power-saving alternator management system, a gear-shift up/down indicator to encourage an economical driving style and low-rolling resistance tyres for cars fitted with 15- and 16-inch wheels.