There are several well known Rays, from Mears to Winstone, but we reckon you'll be hearing a lot more about the Kia Ray.

The Korean plug-in hybrid Ray clearly points in the direction Kia is taking with its environmentally friendly cars and the Ray uses the same hybrid power source that will apparently make its way into the Kia cee'd.

Using lithium ion batteries, regenerative braking and solar panels, the Ray can drive for up to 50 miles on electricity alone before the 151bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine is required. Using both power sources, the Ray can travel up to 746 miles between fuel stops thanks to a combined economy of 77.6mpg.

The Ray has a top speed of 109mph and Kia says acceleration is similar to a small hatchback's so it can easily fit in with normal traffic conditions. The engine and motor drive through a continuously variable transmission.

Made from recyclable materials, the four-seat Kia Ray also has headlights that slide back to create air intakes for the engine. At the rear, the boot lid extends backwards when the car is moving to give better aerodynamics to further improve fuel economy. There are also motion detector cameras in place of door mirrors and handles to give a flush body.

We're hoping to see the Ray at the Geneva Show next month.

Alisdair Suttie - 10 Feb 2010