Kia eco concept propels in

Kia is the latest maker to come up today (April 1st) with a very cheap yet effective way of making its cars more environmentally sound. Called the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line, the system is fitted to the new Soul to great green effect.

The system will be available as an aftermarket accessory for Soul owners looking to reduce their environmental impact and it works by sensing the wind speed and harnessing its power for either more acceleration or braking. So, in a winter gale, for example, the panels will lift to provide better acceleration, thus lessening the need for a heavy right foot. Plus, a small panel just behind the exhaust pipe can provide aircraft style reverse thrust.

Avril Babo of Kia's Eco-Technology Research Institute, in Mabuk said: "Fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25 per cent and emissions by anything up to 40 per cent. Even in calm weather using the system simply under braking can result in reductions of 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. In perfect conditions - downhill with a following wind - fuel use and exhaust gasses can be reduced to almost zero!”

Available from today, the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line also means the Soul can double up as a handy snow plough in winter. Rumours that Euro NCAP officials were recently spotted accepting suspect brown envelopes from Kia are denied by the maker, though it does recommend driving very carefully around areas where innocent animals and children might cross the road: “Pro_cee'd with caution,” said a Kia spokesman.

Mark Nichol