Kia hints at hybrid diesel sedan

Kia has moved a step closer to offering its first hybrid model for Australia.

A new concept set for this week's Paris motor show blends the company's upcoming hybrid diesel-electric powertrain with the body of its mid-sized Optima sedan.

With a next-generation Optima due in 2015, it is possible that the concept car could point to a production model that lies around the corner.

Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth could not confirm whether such a car will be available in Australia, saying only that the company has "a more involved investigation into hybrids" underway.

The brand's new hybrid system blends a 100kW 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine with a 48V lead-carbon battery allowing the car to be driven in an electric-only mode at low speeds and while cruising.

The system also uses an electric supercharger to boost engine torque, making it more responsive at low speeds. Kia has not released full details surrounding the system's outputs, though it says the system can boost power outputs by 20 per cent.

The manufacturer says it expects a significant reduction in emissions from the "mild hybrid" system which could replace hybrid-powered Optima models in overseas markets that are not available in Australia.

The US-market Optima Hybrid blends a 118kW, 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 35kW electric motor in a package that uses around 6.1L/100km.

That car uses a 270V lithium polymer battery in place of the upcoming model's lead-derived unit.

Kia says lead-carbon batteries are easier to recycle and require no active cooling, helping to save weight.