KIA OPTIMA SPORTSWAGON PLUG-IN HYBRID
The new Kia Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and it promises a pure electric range of over 37 miles, along with 188mpg.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid combines the versatility of the conventional Optima Sportswagon with the high-efficiency powertrain found in the Optima Plug-in Hybrid saloon, introduced in the third quarter of 2016. The new model provides buyers with 440 litres of cargo space (with rear seats in upright position) – 133 litres more than the Optima Plug-in Hybrid saloon.
With Kia development teams targeting a pure electric range of over 37 miles (combined, New European Driving Cycle) before its 2.0-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine kicks in, the new model could achieve 188mpg and emit just 34 g/km CO2(combined, NEDC).
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 11.26 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack paired with a 50 kW electric motor, providing a provisional pure-electric range of more than 37 miles at speeds of up to 74 mph. The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid will be among the leaders in the D-segment for pure-electric range capability.
The powertrain employs Kia’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder GDI engine, generating156 PS and 189 Nm. Coupled with the electric motor, it allows the car to operate in charge-sustaining mode once the battery runs out of charge. The powertrain’s total power output is 205 PS at 6,000 rpm, with a high torque output of 375 Nm (276 lb ft) from just 2,330 rpm, providing acceleration from 0-62 mph in 9.7 seconds. Power is applied to the road through a six-speed automatic gearbox, with the transmission-mounted 50 kW electric motor replacing the traditional torque converter.
The battery pack is located beneath the boot floor and allows the Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid to provide 1,574 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded flat.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a series of innovations to enhance battery efficiency. These include two key technologies to save and regenerate battery power – regenerative braking and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Kia’s advanced HVAC system, employs a smart air intake system which provides ventilation and heating to the driver area only, shutting off ventilation to other areas of the car to reduce the load on the battery and increase range. Kia’s regenerative braking system allows the car to harvest kinetic energy while coasting or braking.
The new Kia Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid will go on sale across Europe in Q3 2017.
The car is sold as standard with Kia’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 m warranty, which also covers the battery pack.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is one of two low emission vehicles launched by Kia at the Geneva International Motor Show, together with the new Niro Plug-in Hybrid compact crossover.
