KIA’S ULTRA-FRUGAL Forte LPi Hybrid sedan is now on sale in Korea, offering buyers low fuel consumption, low emissions and incredibly low running costs.
The Kia Forte LPi Hybrid uses just 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
However, with power shared by a 1.6 litre engine tuned to run exclusively on LPG (liquified petroleum gas), the cost of keeping it fueled up is a fraction of the cost of a petrol-powered vehicle with similar fuel economy.
Taking power to the front wheels is a CVT gearbox. A stop-start system reduces fuel consumption in urban driving and a regenerative braking system charges up the on-board lithium-ion batteries during braking and coasting.
A drag-reducing bodykit cuts wind resistance and improves fuel economy as well.
Although the Kia Fore is sold here badged as a Cerato, the LPi Hybrid variant is not yet confirmed for the Australian market. However, the Australian arm of the Korean automaker is keen to see it in local showrooms, and hopes to start evaluating the model on our soil soon.
“As far as the Forte LPi Hybrid goes, we’re certainly interested in evaluating the car here before we go any further,” Kia’s public relations manager Jonathan Fletcher told TMR.
“We hope to be able to bring at least one car here before the end of the year for evaluation purposes.”
Differences in the composition of liquid petroleum gas sold in Australia and that sold in Korea will likely be the deciding factor in whether or not we see a Cerato LPi Hybrid anytime soon.
However, with an extensive LPG distribution network and a motoring public that’s not averse to gas burners, such a car may prove to be a real money-spinner for Kia Australia.
