Kia Venga spotted testing in India

There was fresh speculation about the entry of Hyundai’s sister brand Kia setting foot on Indian shores, very recently. And this fire of conjectures has been further stoked after test mules of the mini MPV Kia Venga were spotted testing on the outskirts of Chennai on Wednesday. Despite the mules being almost completely camouflaged, one could clearly make out their Left Hand Drive characteristics.

With reports dating back to as far as 2009, the Korean carmaker’s arrival on the subcontinent has been in the eye of the rumour storm. But earlier this week, a report in the Economic Times had suggested that Kia has ‘completed numerous reports on the Indian market, including a detailed feasibility study’. 

Being tested in India, the Venga could also be a part of the same plans. The car based on the same platforms as the Hyundai i20 and the Hyundai ix20. Globally, it is available in four engine options – two petrol and diesel mills apiece. 

The base petrol is a 1.4-litre unit churning out 89.2PS and 137 Nm of torque while the top-end petrol is a 1.6-litre unit that is good for 122.6PS and 156 Nm. The former is mated to a 5-speed transmission while the latter comes with 6-speed automatic and manual options. As for the diesel variants, similar 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre powerplants are on offer. Both the engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Reports suggest that Kia will set up a separate retail network from Hyundai in India while a new manufacturing facility somewhere near Chennai is also being mulled. Despite no front-end linkages, the Korean companies could go hand-in-hand logistically, given Hyundai’s long-standing experience in India.

At the time when Toyota is also planning to bring in Dahitsu’s small cars to India, the country’s car markets seem to be in for various novel offerings in the days to come.

Spy Image Source: Overdrive