We can see in the spy pictures that the overall design and silhouette of the Kia Soul facelift appear to be more or less the same as the current model that was introduced in the international markets in Nov 2018. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some revision in the front bumper and bonnet. Kia might also tweak the headlamp design. The front grille of the car is also expected to have some minor tweaks and carry the company’s new logo in the centre.

Also Read: 2023 Kia Telluride Facelift LED DRLs Revealed via New Spy Shot

The prototype of the Kia Soul facelift is wearing camouflage on its side as well. This hints that the Korean carmaker might implement some minor design changes on the doors of the updated compact SUV. Perhaps, we would get to see some sharp lines and/or attractive graphics. As far as the rear end of the Soul facelift is concerned, we are hoping to see some design revisions such as new taillights.

Apart from the exterior changes, the Kia Soul facelift is also expected to come with some additional interior features. The company might add a new and larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity options. The possibility of an updated instrument cluster is also present.

Also Read: Citroen C3 Testing Continues, New Spy Shots Surface Online

It’s being said that Kia is likely to carry forward the engine of the current Soul into the updated model. Also, the company would also provide a 1.6L turbo petrol engine with the new Soul facelift. Rumours also suggest that Kia might introduce a more powerful GT Line variant to spice things up.

Source

While manufacturing of the vehicles, the supplier didn't apply the correct heat treatment, which created harder piston oil rings in the affected cars. This in turn may cause the ring to scuff the cylinder bore and increase oil consumption. This could eventually lead to a seized connecting rod bearing. As for the potential fire risk, oil may leak onto surrounding exhaust components and catch fire. Owners of affected vehicles may see the oil pressure warning light illuminate in such a scenario. Other signs of the problem include abnormal noises from the engine and increased oil consumption.

Also Read : Kia Seltos Gravity Edition Launch Soon -All Differences Explained

So far, the manufacturer hasn't recorded any fire or injuries related to the problem. They are estimating that just 1% of all the recalled vehicles may actually be affected by the issue. During inspection, the engine will have to be completely dissembled to identify the issue. If detected with the problem, the engine will have to be completely replaced. Kia will cover all work and parts at no charge to the customer, but this will be a big job. The company also says it is fitting the vehicles with piston ring noise sensing system software. Owners of the potentially affected vehicles will be notified by Kia in early June.

Back here in India, Kia is all set to roll out a mid-life update on the Seltos on April 27, 2021. Some of the updates that are likely to feature in the new Seltos include a new logo, more features and possibly even a special Gravity Edition variant as a new top-spec model. The most distinct update on the Seltos Gravity Edition is to the SUV's exterior styling. It comes with an unique chrome-studded design for the signature 'Tiger Nose' grille. It also gets a new design for the 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, it is expected to sport an unique grey-black theme for the dashboard and upholstery.

Kia will also be introducing the intelligent clutchless manual transmission - iMT - on the Seltos for the first time, making it the fourth product from Hyundai Motor Group to be offered with the iMT option after the Sonet, Venue and i20. It will likely be offered with both the 1.5L NA petrol and 1.4L turbo-petrol engine options. The Kia Seltos currently retails between INR 9.89 lakh and INR 17.65 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Prices are likely to be increased marginally with the addition of new features. The new Gravity Edition will likely be positioned even higher.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

Kia plans to sell only RVs (Recreational Vehicles) in India during its first few years. The company’s strategy is to launch only CUVs/SUVs and MPVs initially. So, it’s safe to assume that its fourth model will be either a CUV/SUV model or an MPV.

With the Seltos and Sonet out, Kia will have the covered two biggest SUV segments in India, B-high and B-low, respectively. There’s no plan for an A-segment SUV like the Renault Kwid at the moment. The Sportage, the company’s global C-SUV, is getting a full model change towards the end of the year, and so, that’s highly unlikely to arrive here by early 2021. There’s no plan to launch a hybrid or electric model right now, and so, the Niro (as an import) is out of the question.

A Kia CUV/SUV model that is likely to be launched in India after the Sonet is the Soul. However, the Soul will need to be locally manufactured whenever it arrives to be successful in our market, and we don’t see that happening in just a few months after the launch of the Sonet.

Kia has confirmed that it will launch an MPV in India in 2021. This will be a compact MPV that will rival the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Maruti XL6 and the Mahindra Marazzo. It will be locally manufactured. Local testing of this model hasn’t begun, and so, it’s highly unlikely that it will be ready for launch by early 2021. Besides, it may not be possible for Kia to launch a locally manufactured high-volume model so soon after the Sonet. The dealers may also need some breathing period between the two major launches. So, the fourth model will probably be a locally assembled import. But it’s difficult to say what it will be at the moment.

Also See: Next-gen 2021 Kia Carnival grille, bumpers and interior leaked

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: thehindubusinessline.com]

Speaking to carandbike recently, Manohar Bhat, Head (Sales & Marketing), Kia (India), revealed that the Kia Soul EV received a great response at Auto Expo 2020. Crossovers typically don’t amuse Indians, but the Kia Soul EV’s offbeat design has been taken very positively. Below is what Bhat said:

We got a lot of feedback from customers at the Auto Expo 2020 about the Soul. The Soul is a very young and different looking vehicle. While the Soul EV might not be a viable solution for India right now, it Soul is available in other powertrains and it is well worth looking at. We have got very positive feedback about the design of the Soul. We will look at the Soul or a similar vehicle for the Indian market going forward. We are seriously looking at it and we'll bring it only after checking out on how the market is progressing.

The Kia Soul measures over 4,000 mm in length (4,195 mm), which means that it will attract the same GST as the Kia Seltos. Importing it would make it too expensive, and so, locally manufacturing it is the only way to make it a successful product here. That would mean placing it between the Kia Sonet and the Kia Seltos in terms of pricing, say somewhere in the INR 7.5-10 lakh (ex-showroom) region.

Kia offers the Soul internationally with 123 PS 1.6-litre MPi N/A petrol, 152 PS 2.0-litre MPi N/A petrol and 204 PS 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engines. Boxy shape, ultra-sleek headlamps with narrow DRL, wraparound boomerang-shaped tail lights, 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with split-screen function, 8-inch HUD, 640-watt, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 8-way power front seats, etc. are some of the salient features of the Soul crossover.

If the Kia Soul or a similar model receives the green signal for launch in India as a locally manufactured model, it won’t arrive in showrooms before 2022. The company has only two new locally manufactured products lined up for release right now, the Sonet in August 2020 and a compact MPV sometime in 2021.

Also See: Next-gen 2021 Kia Carnival grille, bumpers and interior leaked

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Source: carandbike.com]

The Kia e-Soul is an electric crossover with a boxy yet funky exterior design. A compact and upright stance giving it an SUV-like styling, while the small size and offbeat design together lend a funky look. The e-Soul comes with sleek full LED headlamps, strake-styled LED fog lamps, 17-inch machined alloy wheels and LED tail lamps, and optional skid plates and body cladding that give it a rugged appeal.

On the inside, the compact Kia e-Soul has a round theme for the multifunctional steering wheel and the centre console housing the touchscreen infotainment system. The Kia e-Soul features sound mood lighting system and acoustic inspired textures, along with premium equipment like heated and ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charger, heads-up display and Harman Kardon music system.

The Kia e-Soul showcased at Auto Expo 2020 is the more premium long-range version, which is blessed with a 64kWh battery pack along with a 204 PS/395 Nm electric motor. The combination of this battery pack and electric motor allows for a driving range of 452 km. The battery pack can be charged up to 80% using a 100 kW DC fast charger in just 42 minutes. The Kia e-Soul is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.

As of now, Kia has no plans to launch the e-Soul in India. Indian customers do not prefer crossovers, and so, if at all there is a plan for an electric Kia here, it'll be a proper SUV instead.

The Kia Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stance in its third generation. However, now, the quirky sub-compact crossover is brawnier and sophisticated. Sculpted lines, slim LED DRLs, split headlamps, larger front grille, clamshell hood, upswept beltline, distinctive C-pillar garnish featuring new “Soul” graphic and 3D wraparound boomerang-shaped tail lights define its modernised exterior.

Inside, the designers have raised the focus on youthfulness with the addition of sound mood lighting that emits soft light from the centre door panels and a unique 3D pattern surface on the upper door panels. The new mood lighting system can work in sync with the beat of the music playing through the audio system. Other main new technologies include 10.25-inch HD central display, 8-inch head-up display, wireless charging and 640-watt Harman Kardon audio system with an amplifier and 10 speakers.

Under the hood, the all-new Kia Soul has either the 2.0-litre Nu or the 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine. The naturally aspirated engine develops 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. (178.97 Nm) of torque. It is married to a 6-speed manual transmission or the IVT (Kia’s branding for its first-ever CVT) borrowed from the all-new Kia Forte. The turbocharged engine produces 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. (264.38 Nm) of torque. It sends drive to the wheels via a 7-speed DCT.

Of course, there’s a pure electric variant too, with a slightly cleaner design and a “magic carpet ride”. The zero-emission variant uses a new liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer 64 kWh battery. Its electric motor generates 201 hp and 291 lb.-ft. (394.54 Nm) of torque. Kia hasn’t revealed the driving range, but promises a rating higher than ever. Just last year, the outgoing model’s EPA-estimated range had increased from 93 miles (149.67 km) to 111 miles (178.64 km) with the increase in the battery energy from 27 kWh battery to 30 kWh.

Also See: Production Kia SP (Hyundai Creta challenger) road trials commence in India [Video]

The all-new Kia Soul goes on sale internationally in the first half of 2019. Needless to say, it’s not meant for the Indian market.

Moving to its third generation, the Kia Soul will still have a very familiar look, thanks to the largely unchanged proportions. The redesigned model should loosen up some funkiness and look brawnier and more aggressive, though. It appears to have new bumpers, a two-tier headlamp setup, low-positioned front fog lamps on the outer-ends of a large lower air intake, two-tone alloy wheels and vertical LED tail lamps. The central twin exhaust pipes indicate that the test mule is the sportiest configuration of the all-new Kia Soul.

Reports say that the next-gen Kia Soul will ride on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Stonic. The current model is a FWD-only vehicle, available with 1.6L and 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engines, a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.6L turbocharged diesel engine. 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic are the transmission choices. Most of these aspects should remain the same post the lifecycle makeover, save for the drivetrain layout. Kia may offer the next-gen Kia Soul in AWD, albeit as a hybrid/plug-in hybrid with an electric motor powering the rear wheels.

Also Read: Kia SP Concept-based SUV arriving early, to go on sale in mid-2019

The next-gen Kia Soul is expected to have its world debut at the 2019 LA Auto Show in November.

[Image Source: Motorgraph]

The 2017 Kia Soul that was introduced at the 2017 Paris Motor Show in September last year has reached the South African shores. The facelift brings updated design, new engine and some other revisions to the crossover.

Beginning with the design, the 2017 Kia Soul features remodelled bumpers with metallic skid plate, revised tiger-nose grille that looks slightly more aggressive, tweaked headlamps and new design rear fog lamps. On the SMART grade, the LED daytime running lights have moved to the bottom of the light, and there are new design alloy wheels.

Like the exterior, the interior of the 2017 Kia Soul sees minimal changes with the facelift. The base START grade features a unique redesigned cloth upholstery, while the STREET and SMART grades retain the black leather interior with contrasting stitching detail. Kia has introduced new gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear, though.

The 2017 Kia Soul is available with a new 1.6-litre U2 CRDi turbocharged diesel engine that produces 94 kW (126.01 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of torque between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.  This model is priced at R3,29,995 (INR 15,70,835.83).

Also See: 2017 Kia Picanto – Geneva Motor Show Live

Other options include the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 91 kW (121.98 hp) and 152 Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine good for 116 kW (155.50 hp) and 192 Nm of torque and the 1.6-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 100 kW (134.05 hp) and 300 Nm of torque.

A Kia Sportage SUV and Kia Soul crossover has been spied undisguised on Indian roads, featuring West Bengal TC plates. As Kia is plotting an entry into the Indian market, these could be Kia's own test units.

Kia products have been spied on Indian roads before, but they were either in transit to countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan or Nepal, or brought by OEMs for benchmarking. Kia is yet to officially announce their entry into India, nor have they decided on a location for a plant. So we think that it's a bit too early for Kia to bring cars for testing.

The model spied are likely candidates to be part of Kia's initial lineup for the Indian market. The Kia Sportage, if localised to a good percentage, will take on the Hyundai Tucson, Mahindra XUV500, upcoming Renault Captur and VW Tiguan.

Also Read: Kia Stinger GT teased again ahead of 2017 NAIAS debut – Video

The smaller Kia Soul, we reckon, could be Kia's best selling model in India if priced competitively, as it's based on the crossover formula that is taking the market by storm.

[Source: Autocar India]

Kia recently gave the Kia Soul a facelift, but it has more plans for the sub-compact crossover. Multiple Philippine publications are reporting that the company has a three-row version of the Kia Soul on the cards for the archipelago.

According to a report from CarGuide, Kia will debut the three-row Kia Soul at the PIMS 2016 (Philippine International Motor Show 2016) that will run through 14-18 September. Kia currently offers the Soul only in two-row version globally, and Philippines will be the first market to get a three-row version.

The three-row Kia Soul will be powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine that produces 136 PS (134.09 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The currently offered 1.6-litre diesel engine in the Kia Soul develops 128 PS (126.20 hp) and 26.5 kg.m (259.88 Nm) of torque.

Also Read: 2017 Kia Rio (Hyundai i20 equivalent) revealed ahead of Paris debut

The Philippines-spec Kia Soul measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Kia hasn't revealed interior shots of the three-row version, and thus it remains to be seen how Hyundai's sister brand manages to accommodate extra seats on its crossover.

[Source: CarGuide]

Exterior

On the outside, the facelifted Kia Soul features tweaked headlamps, radiator grille, bumpers and taillights. The Soul hasn't remarkably changed on the outside with the facelift.

Interior

Save for new colour option(s), there are no changes to the interior of the crossover.

Specifications

Also See: Kia Niro – Auto China 2016

The new Kia Soul (facelift) measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm. It's available with two engines: 1.6 GDI and 1.6 VGT. The Gamma 1.6-litre GDI engine delivers 132 PS (130.14 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 16.4 kg.m (160.83 Nm) at 4,850 rpm, and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The U2 1.6-litre VGT engine produces 136 PS (134.09 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 30.6 kg.m (300.08 Nm) of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm, and sends power to the wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The current, second generation Kia Soul was introduced at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Now, Kia is readying a facelift of the second-gen Kia Soul, and undisguised spy shots captured in South Korea, courtesy Kia-World, show how what the new model looks like. The new Kia Soul (facelift) is expected to debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The elements changed on the outside are bumpers, grille, headlamps, door mirrors and tail lamps. Additionally, new exterior schemes and wheel designs can be expected. Inside, there should be an upgraded infotainment/multimedia system, depending on the market.

The Kia Soul is currently offered in three trim levels in the U.S. market: Base, + and !. Engine options include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 130 hp at 6,300 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. (159.99 Nm) of torque at 4,850 rpm and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit which develops 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. (204.73) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

In global markets, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are also available. There's no word on any major mechanical changes on the mid-cycle change.

Also See: 2017 Kia Rio sedan spotted for the first time

The new Kia Soul (facelift) should go on sale in first markets in late 2017, followed by more global markets in the first half of 2017.

[Image Source: Kia-World]

Kia has announced the introduction of the new 7-speed DCT unit in the Kia Soul for the South African market, which is priced at ZAR 399,995 (INR 17.48 lakhs).

The 7-speed DCT is only available with the 1.6 CRDi SMART diesel engine. With the introduction of the new gearbox, the diesel variant gets a bump in power, fuel consumption figures and gear shift times in manual mode.

Power of the 1.6-liter engine is upped from 94 kW to 100 kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque also increases from 260 Nm to 300 Nm that is still accessible between 1,900 rpm and 2,750 rpm.

Also Read: Kia plans 22 launches over 5 years

With improved figures, the new transmission has lowered the Kia Soul's 0-100 km/h acceleration time from 12.2 seconds to 11.1 seconds, while top speed has increased from 182 km/h to 188 km/h. Compared to the six-speed torque converter unit, the 7-Speed DCT claims to offer better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The Soul-based Kia Trail'ster concept has been unveiled at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

The vehicle previews the production version of the Soul AWD and is visually set apart by the Polar Pearl Snowdrift exterior paint scheme contrasted by the Terra Bronze Metallic roof and body cladding. Aluminum skid plates, roll-top weatherproof canvas roof that is retractable and anodized 19-inch alloy wheels with red accents wrapped in Pirelli Winter Carving 245/45/19 snow tires are the standout features.

The concept comes with LED headlights with projector headlamps inspired by the K900's while the large foglamps give the front-end a distinct appearance.

The cabin is almost identical to the regular Soul, set apart by the red ignition button, brown leather seats and aluminium inlays on the mats.

The car is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 188 hp and 251 Nm of torque directed to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. An electric motor drives the rear axle with 36 hp and 135.5 Nm of torque, powered by a 1.2 kWh L-Ion battery pack.

Kia says the Trail'ster is 25-30 percent more economical in the city and 5-10 percent on the highway compared to the current 2015 Soul.

You can find more details in the press release below the gallery.

Kia Trail'ster concept - Press Release

[Can't see the press release? Head to Slideshare.]

Kia Soul

The new Kia Soul is now available with dual tone color options. Depending on the primary color, the wing mirror covers and roof are finished in contrasting white, black or red.

The quirky hatchback with a crossover stance is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine which makes 128 PS (126.19 bhp) and 260 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,140 mm
• Width: 1,800 mm
• Height: 1,600 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,570 mm

Price: Php 1.02 million (around INR 13.92 lakhs)

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage for the Philippines market is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, both mated to a 6-speed AT.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,440 mm
• Width: 1,885 mm
• Height: 1,635 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,640 mm

Price: Php 1.24 million (INR 16.92 lakhs) - Php 1.32 million (around INR 18.02 lakhs)

Kia Carens

The new Kia Carens station wagon is powered by a 1.7-litre diesel motor which belts out 136 PS (134.08 bhp) and 320 Nm of torque. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic unit.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,525 mm
• Width: 1,805 mm
• Height: 1,610 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,570 mm

Prices: Php 1.27 million (around INR 17.39 lakhs) - Php 1.525 million (around INR 20.82 lakhs)

Kia Sorento

Kia has recently unveiled the next gen Kia Sorento which is yet to commence its global sales. The existing model in the Philippines market employs a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which is good enough for 197 PS (194.22 bhp) and a healthy torque of 436 Nm. Transmission option, like its stablemates, is a 6-speed automatic. Higher variants get an AWD system.

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,685 mm
• Width: 1,885 mm
• Height: 1,700 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,700

Prices: Php 1.395 million (around INR 19.04 lakhs) - Php 1.935 million (around INR 26.41 lakhs)

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto hatchback is powered by 1.0-litre Kappa and 1.2-litre Kappa gasoline engines. The former is available in two states of tune - 69 PS (68.02 bhp) and 80 PS (78.87 bhp) - and comes mated to a 5-speed manual while the latter generates 87 PS (85.77 bhp) and is available only with a 4-speed AT.

Dimensions:

• Length: 3,595 mm
• Width: 1,595 mm
• Height: 1,490 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,385 mm

Prices: Php 485,000 (around INR 6.62 lakhs) - Php 636,000 (around INR 8.68 lakhs)

Continental Associates, the authorized distributors of Kia products in Nepal, showcased the new Soul at the 2014 Nepal Auto Show (NADA 2014). The new Soul was launched in the market in June this year.

The Soul is available with a choice of two engines - a petrol and a diesel. The petrol model uses a 1.6-liter engine to make 124 PS and 15.9 kgm of torque. The 1.6-liter diesel with a variable geometric turbo churns 128 PS and 26.5 kgm of torque. Both engines are paired to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The Soul measures 4,105 mm in length, 1,785 mm in width, 1,610 mm in height and 2,550 mm in wheelbase. The car is available in a total of 11 body colours.

Other features include smart key, push button start, front and rear parking sensors and rear view camera, climate control with cluster ionizer, digital supervision cluster, front and rear armrests and music system with Bluetooth connectivity.

The car is priced at 4.7 million NPR (INR 29 lakhs) for the petrol and 5.1 million NPR (INR 31.6 lakhs) for the diesel. Continental aims to sell about 150 units of the new Soul in the first year.

Kia Quoris:

The Quoris is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 334 bhp, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The drive is sent to the rear wheels, and enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The Quoris is priced between 1.99 million Rubles to 2.74 million Rubles (INR 31.6 lakhs to INR 45.6 lakhs).

Kia Quoris (Kia K900) - Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]

Kia Soul EV:

The Soul EV is powered by a 110 hp electric motor which is capable of producing 285 Nm of torque. In the central part of the underfloor of the car, engineers have placed a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

Kia claims it takes less than 5 hours to fully charge the battery of the car from a standard 220V socket. The Soul EV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12 seconds and hit a top-speed of 145 km/h. It has a claimed real world driving range of 200 km.

Kia Soul EV - Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]

The hybrid powertrain is developed by the brand’s European R&D Center and will be used in future Kia models globally.

The system consists of a 48V lead carbon battery connected to a small electric motor. The battery also supplies energy to an electric supercharger, which is used to increase torque and power at low engine speeds.

At low and cruising speeds, the powertrain can drive the car in pure electric mode, while the battery is recharged under deceleration. The system, Kia says, also enables engineers to reduce the size and weight of its vehicles’ existing 12V battery.

Kia announced at its press conference a new seven speed dual-clutch transmission, the first for the brand. The new gearbox has been developed to reduce fuel consumption by 7 percent and to improve the 0-100 km/h time by 5 percent. Using an external damper, NVH levels are said to be reduced as well.

Kia T-Hybrid System Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you’re unable to view the document above.]