What's the news?
Kia has, for the past few years, offered hybrid versions of its cars for sale in the US and other markets. Now for the first time it is to offer them in Europe too. The Optima Hybrid uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine derived from the 2.4-litre unit that is currently used Stateside and a 30kW electric motor to deliver 'class leading' fuel economy and emissions.
Exterior
To go with the 'green' powerplant the Optima's body has been streamlined to make it more efficient. Front and rear bumpers have been smoothed off and unique side sills fitted along with lightweight low-drag alloy wheels, smooth under-floor panels, a lip-type boot spoiler and a new front grille with an active air flap that closes as the car's speed increases. All told, the changes help to drop the Optima's drag coefficient from 0.29 down to 0.26.
Interior
A unique instrument cluster that shows information on the hybrid powertrain has been fitted along with a new centre stack, door and seat trim. The Optima Hybrid will be available with up to three different equipment levels, all featuring solar glass, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, an electric driver's seat and Bluetooth as standard. Higher specification cars include part-or full-leather seat trim, heated front seats, a ventilated driver's seat, a seven-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system, rear-view safety camera, Harman audio system and Xenon headlamps.
Mechanicals
In standard guise the 2.0-litre petrol engine develops 150hp and 180Nm of torque. However the 30kW synchronous electric motor boosts this by 40hp and 250Nm to deliver a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds and top speed of 120mph. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox the Optima Hybrid can deliver 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 125g/km.
A clutch, mounted between the engine and electric motor, allows the engine to be decoupled so that the electric motor can take over for zero emissions, driving up to 62mph.
The electric system, like the rest of the car, comes with Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Anything else?
If you are reading this with one eye on a BIK calculator it is best to put it away, as Kia will only offer the Optima Hybrid in left-hand drive configuration.
Paul Healy - 28 Sep 2012