( Worldcarfans ) - Kia has announced today that they will be putting their green Frankfurt Motor Show concept car, the eco_cee'd, into production from late 2008, with sales starting in early 2009. Expected to be designated as cee'd 'eco' models, the variant will be available in three, five-door and wagon guise - the economical additions to the line-up 'maximising consumer choice' and retaining the 'lively, spirited drive' of a cee'd while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Frankfurt's eco_cee'd hosted a number of small, but significant modifications to the standard pro_cee'd's 1.6-litre CRDi diesel powertrain as well as additional equipment. Through many revisions made to the car, can a reduction in CO2 figures and greater fuel economy be achieved. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 17 percent to 3.9 litres/100km, with emissions data registering at 104g/km (down 8.4%). Engines destined for the production version will already be able to meet Euro V emissions standards, due for a 2011 introduction.
Efficiencies in the car's aerodynamics are made by lowering the suspension, fitting under-floor coverings to aid air flow and 'spoiler' lips around the wheel arches - among other enhancements - reducing the drag coefficient by 11 percent.
Kia will be fitting their 'eco' cee'd models with ISG (Idle Stop& Go), utilising regenerative braking technology, switching the battery off when at a standstill and thus allowing a drop in fuel consumption and emissions during 'typical stop-start city driving'.
The addition of a nifty optimum gear shift indicator (which judges when to shift based on road and engine speed) will be mated to a motorway-friendly new six-speed gearbox, favouring lower revolutions for more economical driving at speed.
"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," enthuses the Senior Vice President of Kia Motors Europe, Jean-Charles Lievens.
Continuing, Lievens states: "Our new 'eco' range will 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."