Kia is developing a raft of new environmental-focused vehicles including a hybrid version of Soul, a cee’d hybrid, a latest-generation fuel-cell powered Sportage and a cee’d ‘Idle Stop&Go’ car, which is due to go on sale in the New Year.
On show in Kia’s ‘Green Zone’ at the Paris Motor Show in October were the Kia cee’d ISG, Soul Hybrid, cee’d Hybrid and Sportage ‘Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle’ (FCEV) representing Kia’s move to more ‘eco-friendly’ technologies across its model range from 2009 onwards.
ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system
One of the first ‘eco-friendly’ technologies to transfer from concept to reality will be Kia’s new ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system which will be available on Kia cee’d petrol models from early 2009. The innovative ISG system automatically switches the engine off – when the car is stopped in heavy traffic – and on again when traffic moves, cutting fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15 per cent in typical city driving conditions.
Kia Soul Hybrid
The Soul Hybrid concept comes complete with a panoramic powered folding fabric roof, plus a transparent bonnet and floor, when it was on display at the Paris Motor Show so the new hybrid powertrain and battery pack was on full view.
This Soul Hybrid features Kia’s Gamma 1.6-litre petrol engine, mated to a 15 kW, 105 Nm AC synchronised electric motor, Kia’s own CVT (continuously variable transmission), ISG (Idle Stop&Go) and ‘regenerative braking’ to re-charge its power pack. The prototype is designed to achieve a fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg and a CO2 figure of 117 g/km.
Kia cee’d Hybrid
The Kia cee’d Hybrid has been created by Kia R&D to take part in ‘real-world’ test activities in Europe. Like the Soul Hybrid, the cee’d uses an upgraded powertrain with a 1.6-litre engine and 15 kW electric motor. Environmental performance targets are 58.9 mpg and a CO2 figure of 114 g/km.
Kia Sportage Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
The Kia Sportage FCEV is undergoing constant testing and evaluation and the prototype made its European premiere at the Paris Motor Show.
Intensive research has resulted in numerous technical innovations, including a higher output 100kW (136 PS) fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer 152 volt battery pack, which give the Sportage FCEV higher performance, a greatly extended 300 km driving range and a cold weather start-up capability to operate in sub-zero temperatures. The Sportage FCEV is equipped with hydrogen-powered fuel cells and a next-generation drive train, electric motor and control unit developed in-house by Kia.