Kia Launches Forte LPI Hybrid

Kia Motors has launched its first commercialized hybrid electric vehicle, the Forte LPI (Liquid Petroleum Injection) Hybrid, onto the domestic Korean market.

Unveiled at Seoul Motor Show in March, the Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia’s Forte family - known as Cerato in some markets and based on the cee’d platform - which includes both petrol-powered four-door sedan and sporty KOUP versions. Kia Motors invested KRW 240 billion - approximately USD 180 million - over a period of 25 months to develop the eco-friendly Forte LPI Hybrid.

Boasting powerful driving performance and a superior fuel efficiency rating of 17.8 km/l (42mpg US) , the Forte LPI Hybrid answers consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles that are exciting and fun to drive. Additionally, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, the Forte LPI Hybrid qualifies for billing as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

The new car utilizes a 1.6-liter Gamma LPI engine with an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a hybrid system, comprising an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium ion polymer battery.

The Forte LPI Hybrid and Hyundai’s Elantra LPI Hybrid are the world's first hybrid vehicles to be fitted with a lithium-ion polymer battery, which is lighter and smaller but has higher output than nickel-metal hydride batteries. Those will be supplied by Korean battery supplier LG Chem, similar to battery packs for GM’s Chevy Volt.

Prices range from $16,300-$18,500 — a bit more expensive than the Elantra LPi Hybrid due to different options.

Forte Hybrid LPI System
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 Intelligent Stop and Go 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 six miles per hour or higher.

Another key feature found in the Forte LPI Hybrid is a Continuously Variable Transmission for hybrid cars which, together with the 1.6 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.

Additional Eco-Friendly Features
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 rear spoiler, in addition to the use of an exclusive cover for the lower part of the engine room and centre floor, result in lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the petrol-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.

Forte LPI Hybrid Specifications