World premiere for Kia cee'd Hybrid and Kia Soul Hybrid concepts

FRANKFURT, September 15, 2008: Kia will display four new models in its ‘Green ZoneŽ at Paris – the Kia ceeŽd ISG, Soul Hybrid, ceeŽd Hybrid and Sportage FCEV.

One of the first ‘eco-friendlyŽ technologies to transfer from concept to reality will be KiaŽs new ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system which makes its world premiere at Paris and will be available on Kia ceeŽd gasoline 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%.

Hybrid power for Kia Soul and Kia ceeŽd
Also making their world premieres at Paris are the Kia ceeŽd Hybrid and the Kia Soul Hybrid concept cars. The Soul Hybrid concept comes complete with a transparent bonnet and floor, so the new hybrid powertrain and battery pack can be viewed by show visitors.

This Soul features a 1.6-litre gasoline engine, mated to a 15 kW, 105 Nm electric motor, KiaŽs own CVT (continuously variable transmission), ISG and ‘regenerative brakingŽ to re-charge its power pack. The prototype is designed to achieve a fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of 117 g/km – reducing CO2 emissions by 26.4%.

The Kia ceeŽd Hybrid has been created by Kia R&D to take part in ‘real-worldŽ test activities in Europe. Like the Soul Hybrid, the ceeŽd uses an upgraded powertrain with a 1.6-litre engine and 15 kW electric motor. Environmental performance targets are 4.8 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of 114 g/km.