Kia starts stop start production

Date: 19 January 2009

Kia Ceed ISG

Kia has started production of its first cars featuring stop start technology.

The technology will be available on the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engined Kia Ceed, in three door, five door and estate versions.

Unfortunately production is currently only in left hand drive versions, which will be going on sale in Europe in the spring. There is no confirmed time for the commencement of right hand drive production, but Kia's UK boss Paul Philpott said: "We want to bring this advanced technology to UK customers as soon as possible."

The Idle Stop and Go system cuts the engine out when the car is stationary, restarting it when the clutch pedal is depressed. Kia claims the system will claim up to 15% in emissions and fuel.

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