Kia Forte LPI Hybrid debuts in home market

Kia Motors unveiled its first commercialized hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) Hybrid in South Korea.

The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia’s widely acclaimed Forte family, also known as the Cerato in some markets, which includes both gasoline-powered 4-door sedan and sporty KOUP versions. Kia Motors invested $180 million over a period of 25 months to develop the eco-friendly Forte LPI Hybrid.

the Forte LPI Hybrid boasts “a superior fuel efficiency rating of 17.8 km/l” and “CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km” which apparently qualifies it as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

The new car utilizes a 112 hp 1.6L Gamma LPI engine with 109 lb-ft, and an independently-developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as well as a hybrid system comprising of an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium ion polymer battery, all of which adds 20 hp and 77 lb-ft.

Although no plans to market this vehicle in overseas markets have been finalized, feasibility studies are being conducted to assess consumer interest and potential demand in markets that possess liquid petroleum refueling infrastructure.

Both the engine and electric motor are activated when the ignition is turned on but only the engine will run when cruising. When decelerating, the car utilizes a special regenerative braking function to convert energy that is normally lost into electricity that can be stored in the battery.

The hybrid system is also equipped with Kia’s Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function, which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is idle to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. ISG functions when the driver applies the brakes after running the car for more than two seconds at speeds of 9 kph or higher.

Another key feature found in the Forte LPI Hybrid is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for hybrid cars which, together with the 1.6L Gamma LPI engine, delivers powerful performance and fuel savings. The hybrid-unique CVT is also equipped with a special E-gear (Eco Drive) that makes automatic adjustments to ensure maximum fuel efficiency.

The Forte LPI Hybrid retains the sporty and dynamic styling of the existing Forte gasoline sedan, a representative work of Kia’s emerging dynamic design language, while adding aerodynamic elements to minimize drag and improve fuel economy.

The application of a front/rear bumper skirt, aluminum wheels and garnish-type rear spoiler, in addition to the use of an exclusive cover for the lower part of the engine room and center floor, result in lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the gasoline-powered Forte.

The vehicle’s full-digital SuperVision gauge cluster relays critical information to the driver and includes an “Eco Guide” function which encourages the driver with an “Eco Driving Point” icon to adjust fuel consumption and drive more sustainably.

For now, Kia has chosen to not release the LPI Hybrid in the United States or any other market outside its domestic market.

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