Kia Will Introduce Hybrids, Stop-Start in Geneva

Kia Motors has announced that it will bring several new models, including those outfitted with stop-start technology and hybrid drive trains to the 79th Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva next week. The Kia ISG and Kia Hybrid will make their debuts in the European market.

The ISG (Idle Stop&Go) automatically switches the vehicle's gasoline-engine off when the vehicle is idling. The ISG will offer a choice of a 1.4L or 1.6L engine, in three different body styles, including a hatchback, a sport wagon and a three-door sedan. Billed as a family vehicle, the emphasis of the ISG will be on passenger comfort and fuel economy. According to the company, the stop-start technology will improve fuel economy by 15% over similar vehicles without the same technology.

Kia will also display its prototype hybrid fleet. The vehicles will be produced for testing in the European market. The basic hybrid powertrain includes a 1.6L gasoline engine combined with a 15kW electric motor, a continuously variable transmission and Kia's ISG system. According to the company, the hybrid prototypes can go from 0-60 in a stately 11.8 seconds and achieves nearly 50 mpg. In addition, the CO2 emissions for the prototypes are measured at 109g/km, a reduction of 25% from the company's conventional 1.6L gasoline engine.

Photo Credit: Kia Motors