The original Besta had been receiving a lot of complaints due to engine problems, so when a new minivan was developed utilizing the more modern technology of the updated Bongo J2, it was decided to give it a new name.

[1] Late in its life, a 2.5 L (2,476 cc) intercooled turbo-diesel engine of Mitsubishi 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).

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 Indonesia, a locally manufactured coach van version of the Bongo III replaced the Pregio; it was marketed as the Kia Travello.