New Zealand already has elements of this technology in the Kia Picanto and the manual Rio, expected here by the end of this year. The Picanto and Rio feature fuel-saving technology called ISG (idle, stop and go) with the engine stopping when the car is idling at traffic lights and automatically re-starting when the clutch is depressed.
Combined with its 1.25-litre engine, the Picanto ISG is New Zealand's greenest and most economical petrol car with a 4.3L/100km combined economy rating.
By 2015, Kia will unveil its first production fuel cell electric vehicle, using next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology to power electric motors. The vehicle is expected to provide a range of more than 560km and its emissions will be water vapour.
Todd McDonald, general manager of Kia Motors New Zealand, says: "We already have ISG available on the Picanto and Rio and it's only a matter of time before some of those other technologies will be available in New Zealand.
"As these models become available, it means that not only will Kia owners be saving more money on their running costs, they will also be helping to protect the environment while still enjoying the same standard of driving."
