Kia has developed its own direct injection petrol engine based on the new Theta II family of units that will power the next generation of Kia vehicles.

Developed as part of the Hyundai-Kia Motor Group commitment to reducing harmful emissions, the GDI (gasoline direct injection) promises lower emissions, raised power output and improved fuel economy.

The first unit is a 2.4-litre four cylinder unit which delivers 198bhp at 6300rpm and 184lb ft of torque at 4250rpm in its initial Korean domestic market specification.

“The Theta II GDI convincingly demonstrates our advanced powertrain engineering capabilities,” said Dr. Lee Hyun-Soon, Hyundai-Kia Motor Group vice chairman and chief technology officer.

Developed at a cost of 170 billion won (£88 million) over a 46 month-long research period, the new 2.4 Theta II GDI engine will make its Korean debut in the first half of 2010.

It is expected to appear in Kia products in the UK in 2011.