Kia begins to produce the Venga in Slovakia

Kia Motors Slovakia has started to build the Kia Venga alongside the cee'd family and popular Sportage at its European factory in Zilina, Slovakia, writes Trish Whelan.

The B-segment MPV model was previously built at its sister company plant in the Czech Republic before production was moved to Zilina.

The Zilina plant is expanding to include a third shift and a second engine shop and will employ an extra 1,000 staff bringing the total to 4,000 employees.

Last year, Kia Motors invested over €40 million in modifying the production lines to incorporate the Venga as well as investing in staff training.

The 1.4 DSL Venga retails here from €18,720. With C02 emissions of 117g/km, it is in Band A for annual road tax.

Along with the new Sportage, Venga earned the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating l

All Vengas sold in Europe offer buyers ABS with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Assist Control, six airbags, active front head rests, ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchors.