Kia Forte LPI hybrid: Affordable Efficiency

Motoring Channel Staff - 25/March/2009

Seoul, South Korea – Kia has taken the wraps off an exciting new model - it's first ever hybrid.

The Korean company is not quite where Hyundai is in terms of reliability and reputation, but the trust in the Kia brand has increased in recent years thanks to product improvements in areas from the build quality and engine refinement to the design of the cars themselves.

To be officially launched at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show on April, the Kia Forte LPI hybrid is another step forward for the Korean car maker, using a 1.6-litre petrol/LPG engine that is backed up by a small electric motor.

Kia claims it has a fuel consumption rating of 5.8L/100km (41mpg) with a CVT transmission, which makes the car a mild hybrid.

Similarly to Australia, LPG is popular in South Korea, hence the use of an LPG engine. 

This vehicle could also be a good fit for the Australian market, but at present the Kia hybrid is only scheduled to be launched in South Korea in August, and the company is considering China as a possible export market.

The Kia Forte LPI hybrid's 4-cylinder combustion engine outputs 85kW (116hp) which is backed up by a small 15kW (20hp) electric engine.

Lithium polymer batteries for the new model are made by one of the world's largest electronics companies, LG, which is also contracted to supply Hyundai (for the Sonata and Elantra hybrids) and GM (for the Chevrolet Volt) with high yield battery packs.

It's no sports car but the Kia Forte LPI hybrid is quite efficient and is expected to be very affordable.

The vehicle will be joined by a mid-sized, full hybrid vehicle in 2011, which Kia has stated will be followed up "with early commercialisation of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2012".

Kia is quite clearly committed to developing a whole range of ultra efficient vehicles, and the new Kia Forte LPI hybrid is the first vehicle to expose the company's Eco Dynamics brand.

As any self respecting hybrid should, it features a number of design cues that differentiate it from the lesser Forte models.

The rear end features a diffuser to improve air flow and reduce drag and the jewel-like brake lights are made up of LEDs.

At the front of the car there are new-look 'bent' fog lights, large air intakes, plus a dynamic new grille finish that highlight its Eco Dynamics association.

Kia talks about the development of a range 'earth-positive vehicles' that will be marketed under the environmental 'Eco Dynamics' brand which will encompass plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The company boldly states: "The new brand communicates Kia's unique strategy and vision for vehicles with a reduced environmental footprint. It reflects the determination of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to propel Korea into the ranks of the world's four leading producers of green cars by expanding investments into eco-friendly vehicles and R&D".

Like Holden's new EcoLine range, Kia's Eco Dynamics vehicles will bear a new badge  environmental technologies including hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be identified with the unique Eco Dynamics badge.

The new Kia Forte LPI hybrid is expected to give the Korean car maker a huge branding boost, and will be publicly unveiled for the first time at the2009 Seoul Motor Show from April 2nd.

Related Links:
- Kia Cerato (2009)
- Kia Soul'ster Concept (2009)
- Kia Kue Concept (2007)
- Kia cee'd (2007)
- Kia Multi-S (concept)
- Kia Sportage (2005)
- Kia Kue Concept (2006)