Optima Hybrid Builds Upon its Award-Winning Gas-Powered Sibling
•Kia's fuel efficient, midsize, hybrid sedan offers style, substance and technology
•Award-winning hybrid model is designed to increase efficiency and driving enjoyment
IRVINE, Calif. Jan. 7, 2015 – Carrying over in the 2015 model year, the Optima Hybrid continues to offer an impressive collection of features, adding an efficient hybrid drivetrain to the already alluring package of its conventionally powered sedan sibling. Available in Hybrid and Hybrid EX trims, the 2015 Optima Hybrid brings increased efficiency to the brand's best-selling model without compromising on eye-catching appeal and refined convenience.
Both trims include a 47 HP electric motor, a powerful 47 kW lithium polymer battery and a 2.4-liter engine that produces 199 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Optima Hybrid achieves an EPA estimated 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined1, while the Hybrid EX model delivers an EPA estimated 35 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined1. Additional vents in the Optima Hybrid's front bumper increase airflow and reduce drag. More aerodynamic 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels on the Hybrid and Hybrid EX trims, respectively, reduce weight and drag and enhance the hybrid's efficiency proposition.
The 2015 Optima Hybrid features a unique front grille design, Hybrid-exclusive front LED lighting and fender badges as well as technological improvements and an array of amenities that are even more upscale and high-tech than last year's model. New for the 2015 model year, the acoustic laminated windshield now comes standard on the Hybrid EX and optional on Hybrid trim – as part of the Hybrid Convenience package – which also includes a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, LED front positioning lights and upgrades to ÚVO eServices2 such as Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score3. With a push-button ignition, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rear view camera4, Infinity®5 sound system, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio,6 the Optima Hybrid EX trim offers tremendous value for drivers looking to save at the pump without sacrificing premium content.
In addition to the Hybrid's design, performance and efficiency, it comes standard with a variety of safety features and technology. Both trims offer standard driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags7, front and rear side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS)8, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)8, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)8. Traction Control System (TCS)8 and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)8.
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the 'Official Automotive Partner' of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2014, surpassing the 500,000 unit mark for the third consecutive year. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900** flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CÚV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle***, Sportage compact CÚV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the Únited States. Kia's Ú.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.
Source - Kia
