Anusha
03-09-2007, 09:41 AM
Kia showcases Kia Rio Hybrid
Kia's Rio subcompact is a popular car that is available in the $10,700 to $15,000 price range. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and its 1.6 liter 110 HP engine, the 2,365 pound Rio manages to achieve fuel economy ratings of 32MPG/35MPG city/highway -- quite respectable in its class.
Not content with those numbers, Kia unveiled a new hybrid version of the Rio at the Geneva Auto Show. The Kio Rio Hybrid pairs a 1.4 liter gasoline engine with a 12kW electric motor, 144-volt battery and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Kia also went to town on weight-saving measures with the Kio Rio Hybrid. The company decided to use aluminum for the hood, trunk lid and front seat frames along with lightweight wheels and electric steering to reduce weight by 485 pounds, despite the added hybrid components.
With the new powertrain and lower curb weight, the Kio Rio Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 in a leisurely 12.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 112 MPH. The combined city/highway fuel economy jumps to 53.4 MPG on the European cycle. Air pollutants are also reduced by 37%.
Pricing and U.S. availability of the Kio Rio Hybrid was not made available. However, seeing as how the U.S. is the biggest market for hybrid vehicle, it should be coming here shortly.
News source: DailyTech
Kia's Rio subcompact is a popular car that is available in the $10,700 to $15,000 price range. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and its 1.6 liter 110 HP engine, the 2,365 pound Rio manages to achieve fuel economy ratings of 32MPG/35MPG city/highway -- quite respectable in its class.
Not content with those numbers, Kia unveiled a new hybrid version of the Rio at the Geneva Auto Show. The Kio Rio Hybrid pairs a 1.4 liter gasoline engine with a 12kW electric motor, 144-volt battery and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Kia also went to town on weight-saving measures with the Kio Rio Hybrid. The company decided to use aluminum for the hood, trunk lid and front seat frames along with lightweight wheels and electric steering to reduce weight by 485 pounds, despite the added hybrid components.
With the new powertrain and lower curb weight, the Kio Rio Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 in a leisurely 12.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 112 MPH. The combined city/highway fuel economy jumps to 53.4 MPG on the European cycle. Air pollutants are also reduced by 37%.
Pricing and U.S. availability of the Kio Rio Hybrid was not made available. However, seeing as how the U.S. is the biggest market for hybrid vehicle, it should be coming here shortly.
News source: DailyTech