Kia will have four world premieres at the
Paris International Motor Show on 2nd October. These include hybrid versions of the cee'd and Soul,
cee'd ISG (Idle Stop&Go), the production version of the Urban Soul and the European premiere of the Sportage FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).
We've already driven the
Sportage FCEV as well as the ISG and
hybrid cee'ds. The Soul Hybrid concept is a showcase for the hybrid system, with transparent panels to display the components, including the 1.6-litre petrol engine, 20bhp electric motor and battery pack. Target carbon dioxide emissions for the Soul Hybrid are 117g/km while fuel economy should be 57.6mpg.
Earlier this month Kia revealed the engine range for the new Soul; now performance and economy data have been released. Depending on the engine the 0-62mph sprint should take between 10.4 and 11.3 seconds while fuel consumption is between 42.8 and 55.4mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions range from 137 to 159g/km. Standard equipment for the Soul will include a 112-watt sound system with CD player, RDS and MP3 capability. This can be upgraded to a 315-watt system with "Sound Sensitive Mood Lighting".
John Lambert - 29 Sep 2008