Kia Hybrid – Automobiles Review

Kia reveals Optima PHEV Hybrid: here’s why we liked this one

2016 Kia PHEV Hybrid Kia, just like numerous more brands has set a goal to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and deliver us more efficient vehicles. And here it is: the new PHEV hybrid with reasonable price and tons of sweet features. So, let’s see whether Kia managed to achieve its goal, or it is just showing off.

Let’s dive straight in numbers and statistics

The vehicle can reach a range of 33 miles in all-electric mode and has CO2 figure of just 37g/km, which further means that company car users pay under 7% benefit-in-taxation in 2016-2017. In terms of drivetrain system, the PHEV is geared with a 2.0-liter direct injection petrol power unit with a total output of 154hp (114kW) and additional 67hp (50kW) via the electric motor. And when working together, both systems generate 375Nm of torque. Powerful, right?

And what about standard equipment and specifications?

Optima PHEV is a sort of stand-alone model in the whole Optima range. And as any other Optima vehicle and as any other independent hi-tech machine, this one has a lot to show to its customers. In fact, they will deal with big 8.0-inch touch screen navigation, geared with tons of maps, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, Kia Connected Services via TomTom, wireless mobile phone charger and neat 10-speaker premium audio system with Clari-Fi technology.

In terms of safety features, the sweetie comes with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-Start Assist Control.

Exterior styling and appearance

2016 Kia PHEV Hybrid

PHEV proudly shows 17-inch alloys with wrapped around 215/55 R17 tires, LED daytime lights, special “follow-me-home-lightning” and one hell of expressive look. We do see a confident vehicle with muscular and sporty stance. The face expression is bold and it strikes with badass eyes and sporty and simple grille design. The sides show simple, yet effective curves, while the back disappoints. Yep, you read that correctly. It differs from the front and the sides with too much simplicity and not that great design tweaks. However, it still expresses power and confidence, but it is a sort of too simple. However, it does the job neatly, which is also important.

The intelligent systems

Optima PHEV offers tons of impressive-wanna-be technologies. These include Regenerative Braking, Driving Style guide, ECO-DAS (ECOnomy Driver Assistance System) with Coasting Guide Control, Drive Mode Select button and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Select switch. In other words, you will be safe, no matter what the circumstances are and you will drive a super efficient vehicle with a sort of its own willpower. Cool.

So, what else should we say? We do like this one and we think Kia team gets more and more serious and more and more devoted into the idea of delivering us some high-quality products. Enjoy!

Source: Kia

August 25, 2016

2016 Kia Plug-In Hybrid Revealed Ahead of Global Debut: Here is All You Should Know

2016 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Kia’s first Optima Plug-in Hybrid, brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid electric car, will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, ahead of the car going on sale later in 2016. So, despite being the first “green” Kia vehicle, what else is special about this one?

The first and most important feature of the new Optima is the greater battery capacity and electric range that enable up to 33 miles (59km) in electric-only mode. After that the efficient and flexible 2.0-liter GI gasoline direct injection power unit is engaged and provides smooth and overall pleasurable drive.

Also, in terms of drivetrain system, the Hybrid is powered by a 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack with 50kW electric motor which allows the vehicle to operate in the range of 33 miles with a speed of up to 120km/h (66kW).

The gasoline unit offers the aid of four cylinders and generates a total of 156hp (114kW) and 189 Nm of torque. What is also special about the engine is that it allows the car to operate in change-sustain mode right after the battery runs out of charge. And when the force between electricity and gasoline is combined, the total output that is produced is 205hp (150kW) and 375 Nm of torque. Impressive, right?

And what about the performance? The combination of highly efficient powerplant and battery does not mean that the vehicle is slow or “lazy”. In fact, this model is a faster and more agile than the previous one. The vehicle goes from 0 to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds (this means with 0.6 seconds faster than the predecessor)

Exterior design

2016 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Optima Plug-in Hybrid can be instantly recognized as a Kia vehicle, thanks to the improved, but still well-known visuals. The restyled active air flap grille is not only a piece of beauty, but also, when activated, reduced drag coefficient and at the same time, the front and rear bumpers enable more efficient air-flow over the body, thanks to the more aerodynamic design.

Also special for this model is the exclusive chrome trim with smooth metallic blue finish for the rear bumper, grille surround and wheel arches.

Interior design

2016 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

The inside of the vehicle features tons of enhancements and upgrades that reflect Kia’s innovative nature and desire to keep up with contemporary automobile trends. There is a new instrument cluster display, infotainment system and of course, overall enhanced ambience for even higher levels of comfort.

In terms of equipment, Optima Plug-in Hybrid comes with Kia’s latest audio-visual navigation with 8.0-inch touch screen, DAB digital radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2016 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Also, the vehicle is equipped with two key technologies for saving and intelligently consuming energy: the Coasting Guide Control and regenerative braking. The braking system allows the vehicle to harvest kinetic energy while coasting or braking in a such way that the whole drivetrain system is able to regenerate energy and recharge the Plug-In Hybrid technology. How cool is that?

Additional equipment and safety features

Optima Plug-in Hybrid offers high levels of safety, thanks to its lightweight, but high-strength body and of course, by the numerous active and passive safety features. Also, the body benefits from the extensive use of Advanced High-Strength Steel that dominates more than 50% of the body.

Furthermore, the Hybrid is fitted with Vehicle Stability Management that ensures stability under braking and cornering by controlling vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control system that activates if loss of traction is detected. Also, the latest Kia family member comes with extended range of safety systems that include:

2016 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Advanced Smart Cruise Control; Autonomous Emergency Braking; Lane Keeping Assist System; High Beam Assist; Speed Limit Information Function; Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Also, there is a short-range “City” radar integrated that helps drivers avoid or mitigate the effects of front collision when driving with speed under 50km/h and there is also a long-range “Urban” radar that enables the vehicle to detect and respond to obstacles between 30 and 80 km/h.

So, what do you think about this one? We do look forward to vehicle’s unveiling and we are impatient to give you even more details! Stick with us!

Source: Kia

February 18, 2016

Kia Releases More Details for the 2016 Optima Hybrid Model

2016 Kia Optima Hybrid continues what has started back with the 2015 model: high quality vehicle with distinctive design, premium features and sweet quality to price ratio. And now the 2016 model comes with further improved fuel efficiency system via the restyled fuel-sipping hybrid engine.

The sweetie is available in two neatly done trim levels: Hybrid and Hybrid EX. The 2016 Hybrid benefits from a 2.4-liter unit that works in perfect harmony with the 47hp (34kW) and produces a total of 199hp (146kW) and 235 lb-ft. of torque. And with addition of the six-speed smooth transmission the Hybrid really has a lot to demonstrate. Despite its high amount of power, Optima Hybrid offers EPA-estimated 36 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway and 38 MPG combined.

The Hybrid also offers neat exterior components that further enhance the beauty and aerodynamics. The vehicle comes with additional vents on the front bumper to increase airflow and reduce drag. And the low rolling resistance tires are mounted to 16-inch alloy wheels or you can get the super low rolling resistance tires, mounted on 17-inch wheels. The front grille is also restyled. It now comes with Hybrid-exclusive fender badges and some of the components make use of aluminum instead of steel. Cool, right?

Furthermore, both trim levels are geared with premium standard features, but both of them offer and optional additions, just in case customers do want more from the vehicle. The Hybrid Convenience Package, for example, adds a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, UVO eServices with rear-camera display, LED front positioning headlights and acoustic laminated windshield. The Hybrid EX can be further geared with Technology Package that offers Panoramic sunroof, gloss black B-pillars, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert ad Back-up Warning System.

Furthermore, the models are geared with advanced safety features. Both trim levels offer high levels of standard, thanks to the driver and passenger improved front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System and Hill Start Assist Control.