Kia Motors introduced a new fuel efficient, ethanol-petrol powered Soul Flex as part of the Salao Internacional do Automovel in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Soul Flex will be the first Korean flexible fuel vehicle as it can run on an ethanol-petrol mixture or even on 100 per cent ethanol or 100 per cent petrol. It has been designed specifically for the Brazilian market where flex models currently account for more than 85 per cent of new car sales.
The new Kia Soul Flex has some impressive statistics as it achieves a 44 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the current petrol model and also offers superior power – with torque at 162Nm.
It is different from the petrol model in a number of ways including a newly adapted fuel injection and catalyst system as well as an engine compression ratio. The fuel pump, pillar cap and fuel line have been reinforced in order to accommodate more ethanol fuel; while a petrol tank assistance system is fitted to aid engine ignition.
Exports of the Soul Flex will begin to Brazil this month with new models to go on sale early next year. The company is also planning to introduce an all-new Kia Sportage Flex at the end of next year as it bids to strengthen its presence in the Brazilian market.
