Kia will next month begin selling the world’s most fuel-efficient ‘normal’ car, with the launch of the 88.3mpg Kia Rio 1.1 EcoDynamics diesel.
The most economical new cars on sale
By using a brand-new three-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a stop-start system, combined with aero tweaks and low-rolling-resistance tyres, Kia has achieved the best fuel economy figure of any non-electric car on sale anywhere in the world.
This record even includes hybrid cars, adds Kia: what’s more, with a CO2 emissions figure of 85g/km, only electric cars or range-extender electric cars emit less CO2.
Despite this headline-grabbing figure, Kia has also managed to keep the price affordable, too. The new Rio 1.1 EcoDynamics costs £11,895 and offers full five-door practicality, plus most of the other benefits found in the all-new Rio supermini range.
The only thing it lacks is air conditioning: Kia has removed it to minimise drag on the engine and make sure the world-beating figure can be achieved.
Kia will also offer a Rio 1.1 Ecodynamics with air con, but while some will prefer the comfort, it does illustrate the effect air conditioning has on fuel economy: it drops to 78.5mpg, while CO2 emissions go up to 94g/km.
‘This sets a new milestone and a new internal benchmark,’ Kia’s head of powertrain Dr. Joachim Hahn told MSN Cars during the launch of the Kia Rio.
‘We like to show what can be achieved with so-called ‘old fashioned’ combustion engines.’ It will, he added, provide further competition for future hybrid car developments.
It also finally knocks the smart fortwo diesel off the top spot in the MSN Cars list of most economical cars. Check out the full list to see which other eco cars the new Kia Rio 1.1 EcoDynamics beats!
