It has become the norm that all prominent auto makers have at the very least one hybrid variant of their top selling sedan. For Kia, the Kia Optima Hybrid fits that bill. The car has a sporty new look, with an aggressive angled front grille and a rising rear compartment with a spacious trunk and taillights.
Available for a test drive at Arapahoe Kia in Greenwood, CO, the Optima contains the basic powerplant for a vehicle of its size and class: a fuel friendly 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, connected to a six speed automatic transmission.
What really powers this hybrid though? The 40 horsepower electric motor couples to this already powerful 166-horsepowered and 155 lb-ft of torque engine, which in turn produces more power and all the while getting great fuel economy. This helps take away the decision of power…or fuel economy.
Kia Optima Hybrid's EPA ratings come in at 35 miles per gallon in the city, and 40 mpg on the highway.
"The 2011 Optima Hybrid's power delivery and transmission also get tripped up by the kind of in-and-out throttle action that's common in urban driving. The result is that despite a healthy combined output of 195 pound-feet and 206 hp," as Inside Line added.1
Beginnng at $27,250, there are manyoptional add-ons (including Hybrid Premium Technology package and get leather, HID headlights, a sunroof, navigation, 17-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seat, fancy audio system, back-up camera. All of these little bonuses could total up to $32,250.
Source: 1http://www.insideline.com/kia/optima/2011/2011-kia-optima-hybrid-full-test-and-video.html