Automakers have entered a competition to increase fuel efficiency and cost ratio as high oil prices continue.

According to a recently released `Connected Car, Disconnected Owner` report released by global market researcher Kanta TNS, safety and fuel efficiency are taken into account when purchasing new cars rather than connectivity.

KANTA TNS surveyed 8,500 owners of cars that were launched in 13 countries including Europe, North America, and Asia after 2013. Safety was the most important consideration when purchasing a new car (47%), fuel economy (42%), Brand (38%) and body design (34%). Connectivity including intelligent navigation, security and infotainment was only 11%. It is still an analysis that fuel economy is one of the most important factors of new car competition.

Toyota`s Compact Hybrid Car Prius C, which was introduced to the Korean market on the 14th, has an authorized fuel consumption of 19.4km per liter. Equipped with a 1.5-liter hybrid power train, it is more fuel efficient than compact cars. The 5-door hatchback model is equipped with a hybrid battery at the bottom of the rear seat to provide ample storage space. Twelve exterior colors aimed at younger consumers. A maximum of nine SRS airbags and ramp anti-skid devices were installed as standard. What is more threatening is the ridiculous rain. Since the Prius C is a hybrid car with a high fuel consumption, it receives a subsidy of 500,000 won and a tax benefit of about 3.6 million won. After purchasing, you can save up to 80% off the parking fee for public parking, 10 years for hybrid main battery or 200,000 km for free. The Prius C is priced at KRW 24.9 million, but with such benefits, the actual purchase price of the Prius C is expected to be similar to that of domestic mid-sized cars.

The All-New K3, a semi-mid-sized sedan that has improved its marketability after six years of full change (complete change), will also demonstrate fuel efficiency at light cars. Even though the car was bigger, the fuel economy improved compared to the previous model. The body size was 4640mm in overall length, 1800mm in width, 1440mm in height and 2700mm in wheelbase (wheelbase). The interior space also features a 1/2-row headroom and a 2-row shoulder room to expand the interior space. Nevertheless, fuel efficiency improved by over 10% compared to the existing K3. Kia Motors` next-generation power train `Smart Stream` developed for five years has achieved maximum power output of 123 hp and maximum torque of 15.7 kgf • m. The combination of the Smart Stream G1.6 gasoline engine and the Smart Stream IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) transmission has been certified for fuel consumption of 15.2 km / ℓ (based on 15-inch tires), which corresponds to the light vehicle class. The Peugeot 208 is equipped with a Blue HDi engine with a maximum output of 99 hp and a maximum torque of 25.9 kg • m, while the combined fuel economy is also 16.7 km / ℓ, 15.6 km / ℓ in city driving and 18.4 km / ℓ in fuel consumption at high speed. The new Peugeot 2008 SUV also shows fuel efficiency of 16.6 km / ℓ (15.5 km / ℓ in downtown, 18.1 km / ℓ in high speed) in combination with a Blue HDi engine that meets Euro 6 environment standards and a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The key to high fuel consumption is the Peugeot MCP, a passive, electronically controlled transmission system. Fuel loss is minimized by Direct Drive, which transmits the engine`s power directly to the wheel without passing through the gearbox.

The fuel economy of the C4 Cactus, a small Citroen SUV with a lightweight body, is 17.5 km / ℓ (16.1 km / ℓ in city center and 19.5 km / ℓ in high speed). Aluminum, ultra-high-strength steel materials, and the latest technology and lightweight engine are applied, and the weight is only 1240kg.

Renault Samsung Motors` mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) QM6 The gasoline model is also digging into the gasoline SUV market with the familiar concept of a gasoline engine combination. After it was released in September last year, 6149 units were sold for four months until December, which is close to 60% of QM6`s total sales. The 2.0 GDe gasoline engine was installed to eliminate engine noise and tremors typical of diesel vehicles. It`s as quiet as a luxury sedan, but it`s the best gasoline model in its class. The QM6 GDe combined fuel economy is 11.7km / ℓ, which is more fuel efficient than the mid-sized model and some smaller gasoline SUV models.

By Ye Jin Soo jinye@


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