(Thu 11 Feb 10)

The latest result of Kia's continued research into hybrid motoring has been revealed at the Chicago Auto Show. The dramatic-looking Ray coupé concept is designed to use a 153bhp 1.4-litre direct injection petrol engine and a 105bhp electric motor, both of which drive the front wheels through a CVT transmission.

With that amount of power available, the Ray should be pretty quick, so Kia's claimed top speed of 109mph is rather disappointing. Not so the fuel economy, though. Kia reckons that the Ray has the potential to run at 202 miles per gallon (admittedly a figure which has not been confirmed by an EU economy test). The reason it can do this is that it's a plug-in hybrid, which means that the battery pack can be charged not only during braking or coasting but also through a mains electricity supply.

Don't expect to be able to buy a Ray from your local Kia dealer. It's more a suggestion of the way things might be in future.

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