The electrified diesel system will be available on the all-new Ceed.
Following yesterday’s highly revealing spy photos of the Sportsage facelift and today’s full disclosures, Kia now reveals what to expect from the updated compact crossover. Although styling changes will be minimal, larger changes will take place beneath the familiar skin. This is where the brand’s first mild hybrid system will make its debut. The plot twist: A diesel engine will be electrified first.
The powertrain, which will be available later in the year, will use 48-volt technology as well as the company’s Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR), active emissions control system. This will reduce CO 2 emissions up to four percent in the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Emissions will be reduced by as much as 7 percent in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
The EcoDynamics+ diesel mild hybrid powertrain is officially known. It includes a 0.46-kWh 48-volt lithiumion battery and a Mild Hybrid Starter Generator (MHSG). Kia claims that the electronic-controlled MHSG uses an inverter so seamlessly switches between “motor” mode and “generator”, so drivers won’t notice it.
The Sportage can be in “generator mode” but the mild hybrid setup captures the vehicle’s kinetic energy during acceleration and braking. This energy is used to recharge the battery.
The EcoDynamics+ system made its debut in 2019 Sportage. It will be available in the new Ceed next years, and other models in the future. A gasoline engine will also be used to create a mild hybrid system. Both will work with all-wheel-drive vehicles, front- and rear-wheel-drive, as well as cars with manual or automatic gearboxes.