(continued from above)
Set to hit showrooms early next year, the Optima Hybrid employs a
Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations that enable it to
provide exceptional hybrid performance and efficiency.
"Kia Motors is
aggressively expanding its green car investments and R&D in much the same way we
committed ourselves to the quality and design innovations over the last decade
that have fueled our dramatic brand transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice
president, marketing & communications, KMA. "By adding our first-ever hybrid in
the U.S. to the Optima lineup we are providing consumers with three powerful and
fuel-efficient powertrain choices, and continuing Kia's philosophy of offering
stylish, value-packed vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency."
The
2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero
emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in
blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the
electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel
consumption and emissions.
Exterior and Interior Design
In
addition to offering consumers class-leading fuel economy, the 2011 Optima
Hybrid also delivers high level of style, comfort and refinement. Ensuring Kia's
newest addition stands out from the crowd, the hybrid model has unique features
to it, including front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, headlamp
design, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, chrome accents on exterior door
handles, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, LED tail lamp design and a
rear lip spoiler.
In addition to the extensive list of standard
convenience features and stylish appointments found on the well-equipped Optima
LX A/T trim, consumers opting for the Hybrid will enjoy additional standard
features, including, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual zone
automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key,
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic up/down on front
windows, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading
lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. Virtual Engine Sound System
(VESS), standard on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during
electric-only operation to notify people outside the vehicle that it is
approaching.
The 2011 Optima Hybrid also offers a Premium Technology
Package, key features include a panoramic sunroof, unique 17-inch alloy wheel
design, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory,
heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID
headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia,
auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system
with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio
system.
Kia Optima Hybrid: Review (2/2)