Paris debut for Kia Soul Hybrid concept

The Soul Hybrid concept will be one of four world premiers from Kia at the Paris Motor show next week. Powered by Kia’s Gamma 1.6-liter petrol engine combined with a 15 kW, 105 Nm AC synchronized electric motor and the company's CVT (continuously variable transmission), the concept promises fuel efficiency of 57.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km.

The prototype to be presented in Paris will feature a panoramic powered folding fabric roof, plus a transparent bonnet and floor that allows visitors to check out new hybrid powertrain and battery pack.

In addition to regenerative braking, the Concept includes Kia's ISG (Idle Stop&Go) technology which will be introduced on the cee’d petrol models from early next year. ISG automatically switches the engine off when the car is stuck in heavy traffic and can cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15 per cent.

Alongside the Soul Hybrid concept, Kia will for the first time present the production version of the Soul urban crossover passenger car which has evolved from the 2006 concept and two additional concept vehicles - hybrid version of the cee’d and the latest-generation fuel-cell powered Sportage.

The cee'd Hybrid uses the same combination of a 1.6-liter married to a 15 kW electric motor as the Soul Hybrid to achieve 58.9 mpg and a CO2 figure of 114 g/km.

The latest installment in Kia's ongoing FCEV development program, the Sportage FCEV making its European debut features a higher output 100kW (136 PS) fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer 152 volt battery pack, which significantly extend the car's driving range to around 300 km.