Kia: Wind up

Kia's April Fools wind-assisted car. Photo / Supplied

Kia motors' wind-assisted eco-car announcement dated April 1 fooled several automotive publications worldwide.

The concept car (pictured above) is based on the newly launched Soul and features "Air Propulsion" and "Retardation Installation Line" (APRIL).

A Kia release said sensors in the bumpers monitor external wind speed and when there's enough, panels deploy to help propel the car. Pop-out panels also assist braking, one even introducing aircraft-style reverse thrust.

Kia quoted a systems manager as saying that during windy weather fuel consumption could reduce by up to 25 per cent.

Gullible publications weren't alerted by the system's APRIL tag.

Other automotive April Fool stunts this year included a Hyundai mini Pope-mobile featuring optional organic bullet-proof armour; and the Seat Aero-Tonto, which fits a wind turbine into the roof of the Ibiza car to power the headlights, and thus reduce fuel use.