Downsize, downsize, downsize – it’s the trend lately and all manufacturers are jumping on board. Ford made waves when they released the 1.0 EcoBoost engine in a variety of models, and Opel has just locally launched the ADAM and Corsa with their new 1.0T EcoFlex 3-cylinder. Now Kia have joined the fray, and have just released their new turbo-triple 1-litre engine.
Due for a debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, Kia’s 1.0 T-GDI Kappa engine has been developed in-house at Kia’s Namyang R&D facility in Korea. The engine boasts technology such as laser drilled injectors, a single-scroll turbo with an electric scavenging system, and an integrated exhaust manifold.
The 1.0T Kappa engine has outputs of 88kW and 172Nm – 4kW and 28Nm less than Ford’s engine, and 3kW more and 2Nm more than Opel’s unit. Peak torque is widespread in the rev-range, accessible between 1500 and 4100rpm, with peak power occurring at 6000rpm.
The new engine looks to not only provide impressive power and torque, but reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy hugely over existing engines in the Kia/Hyundai model range. It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the cee’d GT Line, and will filter through to other Kia and Hyundai models in the future.
With a new 7-speed DCT gearbox and a 1.0T three-cylinder engine, Kia and Hyundai are poised to finally take on their competitors in more than just design and interior aspects.
