Kia Motors is working on a lot of different things as the automaker comes swinging back after pausing production during what could have been called a global lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic. Looking to produce all sorts of new vehicles, like purpose-built vehicles, new sedans, and maybe even micro electric vehicles (EVs), the automaker is getting busy with new concepts and ideas. Nevertheless, Kia Motors still has a strong lineup, and the 2021 Kia Rio was recently revealed, showing off a new fresh style and a mild-hybrid powertrain. Could this be the diesel 48v mild-hybrid powertrain discussed back in May 2018?
It’s been some time since we heard about the diesel 48v mild-hybrid powertrain. Also known as the EcoDynamics+ powertrain, Kia Motors was supposed to put this into the Kia Sportage but it doesn’t seem like the powertrain made it into the model. We thought the idea was scrapped, but the news about the new Kia Rio coming with a mild-hybrid powertrain definitely shines some hope on more hybrid options coming to the Kia Motors lineup, as well as sedans.