Kia Optima Hybrid improves efficiency

The South Korean brand has announced an upgrade for the petrol-electric medium car – a variant that is not yet available in Australia.

Tweaks to the Kia Optima’s parallel hybrid system see fuel economy improve by 0.3 litres per 100km to 5.1L/100km and CO₂ emissions reduce from 125 grams per kilometre to 119g/km. Combined power has slipped by 9kW to 131kW, though torque increases to 319Nm and is produced lower than before – from 1000 to 2000rpm.

Performance remains at 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 192km/h.

The Kia Optima Hybrid slices through the air more easily, however, with the introduction of low-drag alloy wheels, smoother underbody panels, lip spoiler and a revised grille that features an active air flap contributing to improve aerodynamics.

Kia engineers have also made the Optima Hybrid more practical by moving the hybrid system and battery air cooling air duct to free up another 12 litres of boot space – now 381L. A full-size spare wheel is also now accommodated.

The Kia Optima Hybrid can run in full electric mode up to a maximum speed of 100km/h.