Kia Launches its First Hybrid Model, Says Hybrids to be Available in Europe by 2013

Following in the footsteps of its mother company, Hyundai and its recently launched Elantra LPI Hybrid, Kia has introduced its first commercialized hybrid - electric car onto the Korean market. As its name suggests, the Forte LPI Hybrid utilizes the same drivetrain with the Elantra that comprises of a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine, a 15kW and 105Nm electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The hybrid system is also equipped with Kia's Intelligent Stop and Go system.

Furthermore, the Korean automaker's engineers honed the Forte sedan's aerodynamics by applying different front/rear bumper skirts, aluminum wheels and rear spoiler as well as using a special cover for the lower part of the engine room and centre floor. These changes resulted in a lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the standard, petrol-powered Forte sedan.

The Forte LPI Hybrid has a combined fuel efficiency of 17.2km per liter of LPG which Kia says is the equivalent of 21.5km/liter (50.6mpg US, 60.7mpg UK or 4.7lt /100 km) in a standard petrol engine.

While the LPG-hybrid version of the Forte won't be making it to other markets outside Korea, Kia said that it the company is currently working on petrol-powered and plug-in hybrids that are likely to arrive in European showrooms by 2013.

2010 Kia Forte Priced in the States from $13,695

Kia has announced pricing for its new entry in the compact-car segment, the 2010 Forte sedan. The Spectra's replacement is available with two engines and three trim levels with prices ranging from $13,695 for the entry-level Forte 2.0 LX to $18,195 for the 2.4 SX Auto. The Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 156HP and 144 pound-feet of torque that can be matted to either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

The range-topping SX model features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 173 horsepower, and is offered with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0-liter engine returns 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated to either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4-liter engine turns out 22/32 mpg when paired with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg with the five-speed automatic.

The standard features on the basic LC model include ABS with brake assist and EBD, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, 195/65 R15 tires with wheel covers, an audio system with CD, MP3 and USB capability, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls and front, side and curtain airbags.

The EX model adds power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry, air conditioning, map lamps, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, tweeter speakers, dual front and rear cup holders and floor mats.

Aside from the larger engine, the SX model a few more standard features, including a black interior with sport cloth fabric adorned with red stitching, a telescoping steering column, the so-called "Supervision gauge cluster" - whatever that means, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals.