Frankfurt Motor Show 2009: Kia and Hyundai debutsKia supermini and Hyundai crossover to be revealed
19 August 2009
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Kia and Hyundai are among the latest manufacturers to announce they are showing brand-new models at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Meet the Kia Venga and the Hyundai ix35.
Frankfurt debut for Kia Venga
New Kia Venga supermini
The Venga is Kia’s new B-segment - or supermini - model. It eschews the sleek stylishness of the sector’s trendiest contenders, such as the Ford Fiesta and Alfa Romeo MiTo, in favour of maximum practicality.
As the tall bodywork (1,600mm) and lengthy wheelbase (2,615mm) proclaim, the Venga is more mini-MPV than traditional hatchback.
But this doesn’t mean it’s not good looking. The exterior design is sophisticated and presents by far the most successful interpretation of the new Kia corporate grille yet (less successfully applied to the facelifted Kia Cee'd).
Kia Venga is tall but elegant
Maximum practicality
One of the biggest cars in its class, Kia claims ‘skilful packaging will ensure that the Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint’.
We’ll see, but for now we’re sure its flat-folding rear seats and a twin-level boot floor should help, while a panoramic tilt and slide sunroof, available as an option on some models, will brighten up the cabin.
The Venga will be sold exclusively in Europe and offered with 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines producing between 74bhp and 113bhp.
There’s no word on pricing yet, or on whether the model will be offered with a seven-year warranty, but the Kia Venga will go on sale early next year.
Full details of the Hyundai ix35 will be revealed at Frankfurt Show
New Hyundai ix35 crossover
In stark contrast to the Kia Venga, the new Hyundai ix35 is a compact crossover, very much in the mould of the Ford Kuga.
It is also considerably more camera-shy, so all we’ve got ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show is this image of the boot badge.
Designed and engineered in Europe, the ix35 introduces a new design direction for Hyundai - previewed by the ix-onic concept at this year’s Geneva motor show.
‘Significant’ Hyundai Santa Fe upgrade
Alongside the ix35, Hyundai will be showing a ‘significantly-revised’ version of the Santa Fe SUV. This includes visual updates, new steering, new suspension and new engines - including Hyundai’s latest turbodiesel.
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