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| Kia Pregio | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1995–2006 |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Light commercial vehicle |
| Body style | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Kia Bongo |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm (101.6 in) |
| Length | 4,900 mm (192.9 in) |
| Width | 1,810 mm (71.3 in) |
| Height | 1,970 mm (77.6 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Kia Besta |
| Successor | Kia Travello (Indonesia) |
TheKia Pregio is arear-wheel drivecabovervan andminibus based on theKia Bongo and manufactured byKia from November 1995 to 2006. It replaced the previousBongo-based van, sold as the "Besta" in most markets. At one point, it slotted between theKia Carens and the larger,front-wheel driveKia Carnival/Sedona. The long-wheelbase version was known as theKia Pregio Grand. The Kia Pregio Grand is a best selling van in Latin American countries such as Colombia and Ecuador because of its high passenger capacity in its segment (16-19 passengers).
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The original Besta had been receiving a lot of complaints due to engine problems, so when a newminivan was developed utilizing the more modern technology of the updated Bongo J2, it was decided to give it a new name. Thus, the Pregio appeared in 1995, with the 2.7 L (2,665 cc) diesel engine of the Bongo J2. The original Pregio received updates in 1998, 2000, and 2002. From 1997 a 3.0 OHV diesel engine with 90 PS (66 kW) was also available and in 2001 a 4-speedautomatic transmission was added. For export markets, right-hand drive Pregios were built only inpanel van form. The front suspension is independent with coil springs and double wishbones, while at the rear a live axle with elliptic leaf springs is found, to save space and to handle heavy loads. Disc brakes up front and drums at the rear were standard in Europe at least.[1]
Late in its life, a 2.5 L (2,476 cc) intercooledturbo-diesel engine ofMitsubishi origins (called TCi) was made available in European market Pregios. This 94 PS (69 kW) unit could pass Euro III emissions standards for commercial vehicles and the van version could reach a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).[1] While earlier Kias had been usingMazda engineering,Hyundai's 1998 takeover meant that Mitsubishi parts found their way into Kia's vehicles. By late 2003 the Pregio underwent a thorough facelift.
In some markets, such asBrazil, the original Besta had developed a very good reputation and had redefined aminivan market where its only competition was the antediluvian (in production since 1950)Volkswagen Kombi.[2] Thus the new Pregio was marketed as the "Kia Besta GS" in Brazil from August 1997. There was no need to change the name, even thoughBesta means "beast" in most Latin tongues, readily lending itself to jokes. The Besta not only dominated theminivan market; it was Brazil's highest selling import vehicle of all types from 1997 until 2001.[2]
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A different looking Pregio debuted in late 2003, largely a facelift of the first model which could pass stricter European safety demands. It continued until its demise in 2006, due to dropping demand. The Pregio/Pregio Grand was dropped after the 2006 model year to make room for the more passenger-oriented, similarly-sized, short-wheelbase,front-wheel drive Kia Carnival/Sedona (originally the Carnival/Sedona was sold only in long-wheelbase). In South Korea, it was locally manufactured as theKia Bongo III Coach.
In Indonesia, a locally manufactured coach van version of theBongo III replaced the Pregio; it was marketed as the Kia Travello.
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