The KIA Soul Diesel SMART

The KIA Soul Diesel SMART: Now available with KIA’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

• KIA’s first seven-speed DCT now available in Soul CRDi SMART
• Developed in-house at KIA’s Namyang R&D centre
• Innovative hollow double-gear input shaft minimises loss of torque
• Improved fuel economy and more decisive acceleration

KIA’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which made it’s global debut at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva in March this year, is now available in the range-topping KIA Soul 1.6 CRDi SMART. The new DCT is capable of handling larger torque outputs than KIA’s existing six-speed torque converter automatic transmission (up to 300 Nm), while the faster gear changes, lower emissions and higher fuel economy is set to significantly enhance the already dynamic persona of the sporty-looking Soul.

Developed in-house for greater fuel economy and acceleration
The new transmission is the first of its type from the KIA brand, and has been developed in-house by KIA’s research and development teams at its Namyang, Korea R&D centre. More fuel-efficient than KIA’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, the new DCT has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

Innovative hollow double-gear input shaft allows quick shifts
The DCT is made up of two dry clutches, each fitted with electric motor-driven clutch actuator to improve responsiveness, and an innovative hollow double-gear input shaft. The hollow shaft itself allows the system to quickly engage even gears, while a solid shaft that runs through the middle operates odd gears. This crossed gear shifting enables continuous power delivery and more efficient packaging, two development cornerstones for the engineering teams behind the project.
The hollow shaft mechanism lets the DCT operate sequentially, the car anticipating the next gear that the driver is likely to need under acceleration or braking, or jump immediately to any of its seven forward gears (and reverse). This is particularly useful under kickdown or heavy braking, allowing the driver to remain in control of the vehicle at all times.

The continuous power delivery of the DCT minimises the loss of torque and forward motion by the powertrain during gearshifts, resulting in more decisive acceleration and a smoother drive. Reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has also been a focus for the team behind the DCT’s development, with an external damper ensuring a higher level of refinement for the new transmission.

Uprated power and performance
After its launch in November 2014, KIA’s new Soul has proven itself as a fun, practical and entertainingly agile competitor to an increasing number of B-segment crossovers. Combining the compact dimensions of a crossover with the functionality and practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle, the Soul’s innovative packaging endows it with a unique and high quality, award-winning proposition for those with an active, urban lifestyle.

Thanks to the inclusion of KIA’s new 7-speed DCT, the range-topping Soul 1.6 CRDi SMART also features a notably upgraded powertrain. Maximum power increases from 94 kW to 100 kW at 4 000 r/min. In addition, maximum torque output also increases from 260 Nm to 300 Nm, still available between 1900 and 2750 r/min. There are also gains in acceleration and top speed, the former improving 12,2 seconds to 11,1 seconds, and the latter from 182 km/h to 188 km/h.

The lightweight U2 turbodiesel engine is manufactured with cast aluminium cylinder blocks and aluminium cylinder heads, and feature an offset crankshaft (to reduce friction), a low-noise timing chain, mechanical lash adjustment and variable intake valve timing. The combination endows the Soul 1.6 CRDi SMART with a highly competitive combination of power, performance, fuel economy and modest emissions.

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