Kia Motors has confirmed that it will add 'eco' versions of the Kia cee'd model to its European product line-up early in 2009. Based on the eco_cee'd concept car first shown at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the new 'eco' versions of Kia cee'd will achieve better fuel consumption, with fewer emissions, while still delivering a lively driving experience.

All the technologies featured on the eco_cee'd concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be transferred to the new 'eco' range of production models which Kia is planning to manufacture at its Zilina facility in Slovakia from December 2008.

"The rapid transfer of the green-performance eco_cee'd concept's features into production 'eco' versions of the cee'd, demonstrates Kia's vision for the way ahead to a greener future," said Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "Our new 'eco' range will also confirm Kia's commitment to creating environmentally friendly and fuel efficient production models - without losing sight of customer expectations for cars with a sporty design and fun-to-drive performance."

The Frankfurt Motor Show concept car, based on the new three-door Kia pro_cee'd hatchback fitted with a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, boasted a combination of small but significant modifications and equipment additions to the standard vehicle. These resulted in a 17% reduction in fuel consumption (down to just 3.9 litres/100km) and lower CO2 emissions (just 104 g/km, down 8.4%).

Aerodynamic enhancements cut drag to Cd 0.29
The impressive performance, fuel economy and emissions figures of the concept car were largely the result of improved aerodynamics which brought the drag coefficient down from Cd 0.33 to just Cd 0.29, representing a significant 11% improvement.

Following extensive wind-tunnel testing, Kia engineers lowered the concept's suspension, fitted under-floor coverings to the front, middle and rear of the vehicle, adopted wheel arch linings with 'spoiler' lips to smooth airflow around the wheels, and added a low-drag front grille to improve air flow over the vehicle. Finally, ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin tyres were mounted on special 17-inch alloy wheels that generate minimum disturbance to the airflow along the sides of the car.

Euro5 emissions, enhanced electronics and reduced engine friction
Engines for the 'eco' cee'd models will already comply with the Euro5 emissions regulations which come into force in January 2011. Engine changes which will transfer to the 'eco' cee'd range from the concept car include measures to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, such as reduced turbo boost pressure (diesel models), enhanced fuel injection timing, modified residual gas rates and reductions in internal engine friction.

New ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system
To maximise the value of the aerodynamic and powertrain improvements, the new 'eco' cee'd models will be fitted with Kia's new ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system which includes Smartbattery Power Management. ISG features regenerative braking, which automatically recharges the battery during deceleration, and switches the engine off when the car is stopped and the engine is at idle, dramatically cutting both fuel consumption and emissions during typical stop-start city driving.

More gears, lower revs, lower consumption
All the new 'eco' cee'd' models will be fitted with a new six-speed manual gearbox instead of the five-speed used on standard cars. Higher ratios for fourth, fifth and sixth gears will improve fuel consumption at motorway speeds. First, second and third gears retain the standard ratios to ensure that the dynamic performance of the standard car accelerating from standstill is carried over.

To further guarantee that the 'eco' cee'd models' engines and transmissions are always operating at high efficiency, an ECU-controlled 'Shift Indicator' will be fitted in the instrument cluster. This displays the optimum gear choice for the speed at which the car is travelling, and indicates the ideal moment (based on road speed and engine speed) at which to change gear.

Customer choices for a eco-friendly future
The new 'eco' cee'd product line-up will include all three regular cee'd body styles - five-door, three-door and wagon - to continue Kia's policy of maximising customer choice. All 'eco' cee'd models will retain the standard cee'd models' electric power steering, fully independent suspension and all-disc braking system, so the 'eco-friendly' cars will be just as safe and fun to drive as the regular models.