Kia Venga news - Boom boom boom boom - 2009

There are too few cars named after late 1990s Dutch Europop acts. Aiming to rectify this shortfall comes the Kia Venga, a mini-MPV from the Korean manufacturer that promises Focus space within a Fiesta footprint.

Marketing spiel perhaps, but the Venga – which shares its underpinnings with the Soul and Hyundai i20 – should be a practical wee thing, with a roofline some 13 centimetres higher than the Fiesta (and 11cm higher than the i20) providing extra interior space.

As you’ve probably guessed, it won’t challenge the Clio 200 for the hot hatch crown. It’ll be launched with 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines developing between 74bhp and 113bhp, though all models will get start-stop technology.

A hybrid version is rumoured to join the line-up later next year.

“This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil,” says Kia MD Michael Cole.

“A fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package, it will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy.”

Rumours that the Venga will be unveiled at the Frankfurt show by the eponymous Arsenal manager are completely unfounded.