CHICAGO MOTOR SHOW: Kia Trail'ster hybrid revealed

After lots of teasing, Kia has finally revealed its Trail’ster crossover concept that shows off the Korean car maker’s new small car hybrid technology.

Based on the Soul crossover, the more rugged Trail’ster is powered by a conventional 138kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine but, unlike a conventional SUV, there’s no direct connection to the rear axle.

Instead of a prop shaft the rear axle gains a 27kW electric motor that kicks in to boost traction in slippery conditions or enhance acceleration. The electric motor also helps mitigate the petrol engine’s turbo lag boosting performance and total power. Under full throttle the small SUV concept generates a healthy 162kW, promising decent getaway from the lights. Under light throttle, meanwhile, the Trail’ster runs on pure electric power for up to 5km in normal driving.

When not in use the compact electric motor is used as an energy recovery system charging the compact battery cells that live under the boot floor. This helps, claims Kia, to improve fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent in town and up 10 per cent on the highway.

Created for the “city dweller turned adventurer” the Trail’ster comes equipped with a peel back canvas roof, aluminium skid plates and a ride height jacked up by some 64mm.

If confirmed for production the Trail’ster is set to go head-to-head with the latest small SUVs like the new Jeep Renegade and the Fiat 500X.