Kia Ray concept to rival Prius

The four-seat Kia Ray, which debuted at the 2010 Chicago Motor Show, has a range of 746 miles and an average fuel economy of up to 202.3mpg.

Power is sent to the front wheels from either its petrol engine, electric motor or both together – depending on driving conditions. Its 1.4-litre 153bhp engine will be able to reach a top speed of 109mph.

The glass roof contains solar cells which absorb sunlight to power the car’s lighting and climate control system. To keep the Ray from over-heating, Kia has installed cool-glazing glass, recycled materials and a solar-powered cooling fan.

The Kia Ray also features a touch-screen, voice-activated controls and drive-by-wire electronic steering, which Kia says are “possible indicators of Kia’s future technology.” 

An electric battery can be recharged by the engine or a mains socket, allowing the Ray to reach distances of more than 50 miles using just the electric motor.

The Ray also gets a power-saving sound system and white leather interior.

Kia’s chief design officer Peter Schreyer said: “Being green doesn’t have to be an obvious statement any more and the Kia Ray blends modern and eco-minded features for today’s environmentally conscious drivers.”

View images of Kia cars at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show:

By Dominic Sacco, senior web journalist