2.3.2010 New EcoDynamics Kia cee’d diesel

To showcase its 'EcoDynamics' range of fuel-saving vehicles, Kia Motors is revealing an 'ultra-low' CO2 version of its popular cee'd at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new model achieves a significant 11% reduction in emissions - down to just 98 g/km, compared with 110 g/km for the current lowest emission cee'd.

The five-door hatchback is powered by Kia's new 'U2' family 1.6-litre diesel engine, designed and engineered at Kia's R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany and manufactured in Slovakia. Cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient this engine has the latest generation common rail diesel injection system and is fitted with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger.

Maximum power of 90 ps is produced at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 235 Nm is available across a wide rev band, from 1,900 to 2,750 rpm, for excellent drivability. More than 90% of the maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, for strong and smooth acceleration almost from idle.

In the EcoDynamics cee'd, the engine features improved engine mapping and fuel injection strategy with new software and is fitted with a variable water pump which absorbs less power, a high efficiency alternator with power-saving management system and a Diesel Particulate Filter.

Top gear ratio in the six-speed manual transmission has been raised by 12% from 3.941 to 3.471 to 1, reducing revolutions at high speeds. Both the engine and transmission are filled with low-viscosity lubricants.

In addition to using the latest engine technologies to enhance efficiency, the EcoDynamics cee'd is equipped with a range of fuel-saving features including Kia's fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go system that automatically switches off and then restarts the engine in congested city driving.

To encourage an economical driving style, an Eco Driving Guide - a gear-shift up/down indicator - is displayed in the cabin. To improve the 4.26-metre long car's aerodynamics and lower its rolling resistance, a variety of measures have been adopted.

The suspension is lowered by 15 mm, a smooth under-floor is fitted together with airflow deflectors ahead of each tyre and a rear spoiler is positioned on top of the tailgate. Brake-pad drag on the discs is reduced and the 16-inch diameter alloy wheels are fitted with low rolling resistance 205/55 R16 Michelin tyres and are inflated to a higher pressure of 38 psi.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors Ltd., said: "The current cee'd ISG has already attracted considerable attention in the UK thanks to its tax advantages for companies and for its low emissions. We are constantly monitoring demand in the UK market and we will be working with our colleagues at KME to bring this further developed technology to the UK at the appropriate time. We'll inform customers of developments on www.kia.co.uk"

No on-sale date for the revised EcoDynamics cee'd has yet been confirmed.

Newspress