Diesel hybrid to join Kia powertrain line-up
South Korean manufacturer will introduce an electrified diesel option this year on its Sportage SUV, with other models to follow
It may seem like the world is out to get diesel cars at the moment, but that isn’t stopping manufacturers from trying to bring in new and innovative black pump machinery – and Kia is the latest.
The South Korean firm has revealed a new electrified diesel powertrain – called EcoDynamics+ – that will make its first appearance on its Sportage SUV later in 2018 and the all-new Ceed hatchback in 2019, with other models to soon follow.
Although it hasn’t gone into detail as to what diesel engine will be part of the system, Kia has revealed that electrification will come in the form of a 48-volt battery powering a starter generator, allowing extended engine ‘off time’ at lower speeds.
The system will be charged through waste kinetic energy like a traditional hybrid set-up, meaning no need for the user to manually charge it.
Kia claims the EcoDynamics+ system will result in much cleaner and more efficient diesel engines, with as much as four per cent less CO2 emitted on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure standard.
The powertrain is part of the South Korean firm’s ongoing electrification strategy that will see 16 “advanced powertrain” vehicles introduced to its line-up – comprising five hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five all-electric and one powered by fuel cell.
Expect to hear more details soon on the Sportage’s use of the EcoDynamics+ powertrain, as well as UK pricing and specifications.
