ONE of the burgeoning market sectors in Britain is the mini MPV.

Born of the need to downsize from the larger, more expensive to run MPV and the need of the family of today to move away from hatchbacks and saloons to something more practical, the heat is on for the best solution.

And most manufacturers have have pricked up their ears and provided a compact model that hopefully can accommodate parents, children and all their associated kit with ease

Kia, riding high on its seven year warranty has stepped in with the Venga, a more conventional version of the rather way-out Soul which provides family space within four metres of car.

Built exclusively for Europe in Kia's factory in the Czech Republic, prices of the Venga - first 'clean sheet' Kia created by designer Peter Schreyer - start at an encouraging £11,495.

You have to hand it to Kia, once a bargain-basement manufacturer, it has surged ahead of many with its warranty deal which also covers the car for 100,000 miles. Imagine what a sensation that would have been in the 1960s when some new car buyers were getting worried when 20,000 miles appeared on the clock.

Venga is a dynamic part of the latest Kia range attracting attention from those drivers for whom global recession and rising fuel prices means more expensive motoring.

Indeed many who might have been driving a Ford Galaxy a few years ago may find some comfort behind the wheels of a Venga.

Many may opt for the EcoDynamics diesel but Kia has not forgotten those who still prefer petrol power.

Indeed petrol is enjoying a resurgence of popularity and Venga offers a choice of either a 1.4 or 1.6 for those who opt against oil power.

I have been driving the 1.4 petrol which delivers a top speed of 104mph and a 0-62mph sprint of 12.4 seconds.

With a combined mpg readout of 45.6 it is a reasonably balance of power and economy but the headline news with this model is that it is such an impressive all rounder.

Equipped with the Kia Spot/Start system - a mechanism which cuts the engine in traffic halts and automatically starts it again when time to move - it wrings every yard per gallon out of every drop of fuel.

Laying no claims to be the most involving drive in the world, the Venga 1.4 petrol nevertheless features positive and direct steering control, a satisfying ride and excellent interior space.

The rear seats slide back and too easily and there is 390 litres of luggage space expanding to 390 litres with the seats folded.