Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been sent back to the engineers for tweaks.

The same system is also available on the Kia Soul, and that hatchback will be going without for the moment, as well. Apparently, some reviewers found the system's engagement rough. Kia didn't give details about the move, either what might have caused the perceived roughness or what remedy it will use to fix it. If you're holding out for ISG on your Rio or Soul, which is available by checking the special Eco options package, a Kia executive said it will now be arriving in the second quarter.

Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia cee'd

Stop/start technology is like a trial membership for hybrids: it lets drivers in on the fuel savings and lower carbon emissions without forcing them to become a card-carrying member of the hybrid brigade. Kia is will be offering buyers just such an opportunity by introducing ISG, or Idle, Stop, and Go (also called Intelligent Stop & Go) on the new cee'd.

The ISG will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-engined c'eeds, and unlike other stop/start technology, this ISG shuts the engine down not only when the car is stopped, but when it's moving less than four mph. To engage the ISG while the car is moving, the driver puts the car in neutral and depresses the clutch, the engine is shut down, and he or she will be rewarded with 15% better fuel economy in the urban cycle.

The frugal-ized cee'd also benefits from a lighter five-speed gearbox and low-rolling-resistance tires as standard fitment. Later in 2009, the 1.6-liter diesel c'eed will be offered with ISG technology.

Gallery: Kia c'eed

[Source: Kia World]

2009 Kia cee'd gets Intelligent Stop & Go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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