The KIA Optima is far more than just a pretty face, thanks to its refined exterior appearance and well appointed cabin, it is also great value. A KIA Optima Hybrid in NJ is a fuel sipping addition to the model range, offering a full 40 MPG on the highway. The Optima Hybrid gives the same fuel economy as any compact sedan but it is certainly larger and has more going for it.
Inside and out:
The interior of the KIA Optima Hybrid is very up-market, the car is available with numerous features, two of which are a large sunroof and a 10 way electric power seat on the driver’s side. Although the car is rated as mid-size, it has the feel of a large sedan.
The interior uses the best materials coupled with touches of luxury. There is plenty of legroom for both front and backseat passengers. The Hybrid comes with Bluetooth, USB, satellite radio and automatic climate control. By stepping up in trim the Optima offers a voice actuated infotainment system, GPS navigation and a wealth of safety features including blind spot monitors and cross traffic alert.
The previous Optima Hybrid had a 2.4 L four cylinder engine, the new model has an all new 2.0L direct injected engine that develops 154 HP coupled with a 51 HP electric motor. With these fuel saving improvements the package is only down by a paltry six HP, not much of a price to pay when you consider the fuel economy has gone up by 10 percent. To further improve fuel economy the designers have added grill shutters and smoothed out the nose to reduce drag.
The Optima plug-in Hybrid has a range of over 600 miles, 27 of which can be on full electric. The vehicle can utilize the on-board GPS to locate charging stations.
