– EcoDynamics+ 48V diesel mild-hybrid power now available across the Ceed model family
– Mild-hybrid powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by around 5~10% while offering the same level of performance
– ‘Clutch-by-wire’ intelligent Manual Transmission further increases efficiency while retaining driver engagement
– EcoDynamics+ models offered with 7-Year, 150,000-kilometre warranty
Frankfurt, 8 July 2020 – Kia Motors has introduced the ‘EcoDynamics+’ 48V diesel mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain to the entire Ceed family. The efficient new powertrain is now offered in the Ceed five-door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed five-door shooting brake and XCeed urban crossover.
The EcoDynamics+ powertrain enhances the efficiency of the Ceed family’s 1.6-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine, reduces CO2 emissions and owners’ running costs. The new powertrain is offered on both low- and high-powered versions of the engine, producing 115 ps and 136 ps, respectively (ProCeed models only offer the 136 ps engine).
The roll-out of new mild-hybrid powertrain technology across the Ceed family reduces CO2 emissions by around 5 to 10 percent (NEDC 2.0, combined cycle), depending on body style, choice of transmission, engine power output and vehicle specification. Importantly, while the adoption of MHEV technology improves fuel efficiency, engine performance remains the same as before.
The Kia Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed and XCeed with EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrains are produced at the brand’s European production base in Žilina, Slovakia. Now available in many countries across Europe, all EcoDynamics+ models offer Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000-kilometre warranty.
EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid technology with ‘motor’ and ‘generator’ modes
The Ceed’s MHEV powertrain pairs Kia’s ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre diesel engine – the cleanest diesel engine ever produced by the brand – with Kia’s EcoDynamics+ 48V MHEV system, maximising fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance.
EcoDynamics+ has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, seamlessly deploying and recuperating electric power. The system supplements the engine’s torque output with power from a compact 48-volt lithium-ion polymer battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new MHSG unit.
The MHSG is connected by belt to the engine’s crankshaft, and switches seamlessly between ‘motor’ and ‘generator’ modes. In ‘motor’ mode, under acceleration, the MHSG provides electric power assistance to reduce engine load and emissions. As the car decelerates, the MHSG has the ability under certain conditions to switch to ‘generator’ mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery.
Kia’s ‘U3’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology to significantly reduce emissions. The engine therefore produces less carbon dioxide, particulate matter and NOx compared to earlier Kia diesel engines. The engine is available with a choice of 115 and 136ps power outputs.
‘Clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission further increases efficiency
The Ceed is also one of the first Kia models to be sold in Europe with the brand’s new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), equipped exclusively to EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid models. The ‘clutch-by-wire’ system contributes to the MHEV system’s greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual transmission.
Instead of a mechanical linkage, the iMT’s clutch operates purely electronically, and is integrated seamlessly with the EcoDynamics+ powertrain. The iMT works with the MHSG to switch off the engine earlier than Kia’s Idle Stop & Go start-stop system when coasting to a halt. In the Ceed’s default ‘Eco’ drive mode, it also enables brief periods of ‘engine-off’ coasting at speeds of up to 125 km/h (77 mph), seamlessly reactivating when the driver pushes the accelerator or clutch pedal. The system contributes to the MHEV’s overall fuel efficiency improvements, and reduces CO2 emissions by around 3% in real-world driving conditions.
The chosen gear remains engaged even with the engine off. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or accelerator pedals thanks to the burst of power provided by the MHSG. The transmission restarts the engine in neutral (with an open clutch) if the driver pushes the clutch pedal to change gear, or if the vehicle speed is too low for the current engaged gear.
Reduced CO2 emissions and lower fuel costs for drivers
Kia’s new EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain contributes to a greater overall fuel efficiency and lower running costs for Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed and XCeed drivers.
CO2 emissions for EcoDynamics+ Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon models are as low as 96 g/km when fitted with the iMT and 99 g/km for the optional seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT) (combined cycle, NEDC 2.0)*. This represents an improvement of 5.0 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, compared to the same 1.6-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine without 48V mild-hybrid technology.
For the ProCeed, combined emissions figures are as low as 103 g/km for iMT models and 104 g/km for 7DCT models – an improvement of 7.2 percent and 6.3 percent respectively.
For the XCeed, emissions are from 101 g/km (iMT) and 108 g/km (7DCT) – an improvement of 7.3 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively.*
Efficiency and emissions – EcoDynamics+ 1.6-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel mild-hybrid*
