Kia at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Tom Sharpe

First Official Pictures

17 September 2009 14:00

Kia chose the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show to introduce its new hatchback-cum-SUV, the Venga. But attracting more attention were hybrid versions of two of the South Korean manufacturer’s other models, the just-facelifted Ceed and new Sorento.

In two very different ways. Following on the heels of Kia’s home-market launch of its Forte hybrid, the Ceed hybrid’s drivetrain employs a similar set-up with a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a 20bhp/77lb ft electric motor. Further adding to the Ceed hybrid’s environment-saving credentials is the fuel-saving ISG start/stop system.

To create the Sorento hybrid Kia mated a modified version of its 1.6-litre turbodiesel – found elsewhere in the Soul and Ceed – to a 39bhp electric motor. Replacing the Sorento’s 2.5-litre CRDi engine for the smaller 1.6 unit saved 100kg, and a trick two-stage turbocharger has taken peak output to 161bhp. Kia’s first dual-clutch transmission also helps speed progress, and the Sorento’s drag co-efficient has been reduced by some slippery under-floor modifications, lowered suspension (by 25 mm), narrower tyres and an active front grille.

Kia calculates that the new Ceed hybrid emits 96g/km CO2 – down 25 per cent on the 1.6-litre petrol-only equivalent – and the Sorento hybrid manages just 119 g/km of CO2, 30% down on the current 2.5 CRDi.

From launch the Kia Venga will be available with a choice of three trim levels (LX, EX and TX) and 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre versions of Kia’s petrol and diesel engines, delivering between 75 and 128bhp. Fitted with optional ISG start/stop technology – an option on all Venga’s – Kia claim that the CO2 emissions of just 117g/km of CO2 for the 1.4-litre diesel models.

By Tom Sharpe