The upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled by Kia Motors today at the Geneva Motor Show, marking the European debut of this streamlined sedan with a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.26 in its latest form.
[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:5px;”]Visually, the upgraded Optima Hybrid features newly-designed front and rear bumpers, the front incorporating new four-spot LED fog lamps and a revised design for Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger nose’ grille. The car’s profile is also improved with a new side-sill garnish, fender garnish and new, five-spoke 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs. At the rear, the trunk lid sports Kia’s new style eco-hybrid badge, the bumper has a black lower section and the exhaust tailpipe is hidden.
With the upgraded model, customers will also be able to specify a new ‘White Package’ interior option, with white upholstery and gloss black cabin accents. Two new exterior paint finishes, Smoky Blue and Aluminium Silver, complete the visual changes and join three carry-over colours – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black and Bright Silver.
Available only in left-hand drive (as previously), the latest Optima Hybrid will also be fitted with a range of new features, including a new touchscreen interface specific to the Hybrid system, an 8-inch display for the navigation system, iPod connectivity, ventilated front seats and air vents in the rear of the cabin. A new ‘High Tech Pack’ is available as an option, incorporating Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Parking Assist systems.
Kia’s third-generation regenerative braking system is fitted to the upgraded Optima Hybrid. The new system is 1.2 kg lighter and is faster reacting with a new iBAU (Integrated Brake Actuation Unit) which cuts the time delay before the ABS is activated and shortens braking distance from 100 kph by 1.7 metres. For the driver, there is also greater braking feel and an improved response to pedal inputs.
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The gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain is carried over unchanged in the latest version of the Optima Hybrid. Together the 2.0-litre engine and 35 kW electric motor produce a combined output of 177 ps at 5,500 rpm and 319 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. The sedan delivers a remarkable blend of performance (0-100 kph in 9.4 sec, top speed 190 kph), fuel economy (5.1 l/100 km) and low CO2 emissions (119 g/km) with 17-inch wheels. In The Netherlands, where Optima Hybrid is fitted with 16-inch wheels as standard, the vehicle’s CO2 figure is 117 g/km.
Production of the upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid is scheduled to start in Korea during April 2014 and the new model will go on sale across Europe later this year.
