Currently reading: UK must wait for stop-start Kia
Production begins, but Kia delay right-hand-drive versions until later in the year

The UK will have to wait until the launch of the facelifted version of the Kia Cee’d to get Kia’s new stop-start system, the company has announced.

Production of the new Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system has already begun for left-hand-drive Cee’ds, but UK customers will have to wait until the autumn, when a facelifted version of the hatchback is launched.

Kia claims a fuel saving of up to 15 per cent for the ISG system, whose introduction will also include a raft of changes designed to improve fuel efficiency.

In addition to a new ‘smart’ starter motor, which determines if switching off the engine is appropriate, the Cee’d will also get a high-efficiency alternator and lightweight gearbox for more economical driving.

CO2 emissions will also be reduced. The 1.4-litre petrol’s 137g/km represents a reduction of 8g/km over the non-ISG model. At launch the 1.6-litre petrol Cee’d will also get the system, with similar stop-start technology planned for the 1.6-litre diesel model.

A six-speed gearbox will be introduced later in the Cee’d’s lifecycle to further improve economy.

George Barrow

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