Kia Optima Hybrid 2013 - South Korean brand's first hybrid

Now yes! Kia's South Koreans can also boast of having a hybrid model in their catalogue. The Kia Optima Hybrid is the Asian brand's newest commitment to the “ecological” market.

Before taking a closer look at the Optima Hybrid, it is important to say that the more “common” version arrives on the national market at the end of this month, with a base price of 31,990 euros – Diesel engine 1.7 CRDi 136 hp. The hybrid variant, on the other hand, will only reach dealers at the beginning of 2013, and if, by chance, you are interested in purchasing it, prepare yourself, because the price pyramid will start at 35,000 euros.

This hybrid saloon is the first to use a lithium polymer battery, which as you know, is only used in exclusively electric models. Equipped with a 40 hp electric motor, there is a 2 liter gasoline engine with 150 hp, thus generating a combined power of 190 hp.

If there are no flaws in this teamwork, Optima Hybrid will be able to achieve an acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and will be able to reach 192 km/h of top speed. According to the South Korean brand, this Hybrid has a combined consumption of 5.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are around 120 g/km.

In relation to the “conventional” model, the external differences will not be many. The hybrid will come with an 'active grille' (blades close as speed increases), 17-inch wheels created specifically for this variant, tailgate deflector and a logo on the rear to symbolize the hybrid technology. For the interior, just highlight the new instrument panel that is, of course, prepared to show the driver how the hybrid system works.

Text: Tiago Luís