These resulted in a reduction in fuel consumption (down to just 3.9 litres/100km), and lower CO2 emissions (just 104 g/km, down 8.4%). The impressive numbers are largely the result of improved aerodynamics which brought the drag coefficient down from Cd 0.33 to just Cd 0.29.
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, including Smart battery Power Management. This system has 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.
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.
Kia Motors will add ´eco´ versions of the Kia cee’d model to its product line-up early in 2009. The new version of eco_cee’d will be produced in our plant and the beginning of the production is planning on December next year.
