Kia goes green

Forget about buying that new sports car. In case you haven't been in the loop, green is the new black. On top of recycling, not using plastic and conserving energy, car companies are jumping on the save-the-environment bandwagon, and producing hybrids and electric cars at a healthy competitive level.

Kia Motors has introduced its new environmental brand "Eco Dynamics" and an LPI Hybrid based on its Korean market Forte saloon as part of its commitment to the development of fuel saving vehicles.

The new cars reflect Kia's strategy and vision for vehicles with a reduced environmental footprint. Looks like the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is intent on propelling South Korea into the forefront of the world's leading producers of green cars by spending investment on eco-friendly vehicles and R&D.

The Eco Dynamics badge includes cars that employ new, environment-friendly technologies such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The c'eed ISG (Idle Stop and Go) model, featuring an auto start-stop system for enhanced fuel efficiency, is a first for a Korean car, and was showcased in Europe early this year.

Kia's first hybrid vehicle, the Forte LPI hybrid, is scheduled to be released in the Korean domestic market this August, with plans to introduce a mid-sized, full hybrid vehicle in 2011 and commercialisation of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2012. It runs on both Liquefied Petroleum Gas - a popular fuel in South Korea - and electricity. In Malaysia, Compressed Natural Gas is used in a dual fuel system. It employs a hybrid system which supports the internal combustion engine during motor starts and acceleration.

Equipped with a 1,600cc Gamma LPI HEV engine, the Forte LPI hybrid boasts maximum power of 114hp and maximum torque of 148Nm. It is claimed to offer drivers unrivalled savings with a fuel efficiency of 17.2 km/litre with a CVT transmission. When converted to a standard petrol engine, that figure would be 21.5km/litre.

The Forte LPI hybrid is also the first car in the world to use lithium polymer batteries compared to nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries used by competitors. Lithium polymer batteries provide more power in a lighter and compact package, enhancing fuel performance and freeing up more space.

Source : Asiaone Motoring, by Patsy Kam, July 3rd, 2009