Kia’s eco transformation continued apace at the Geneva motor show with the unveil of the new Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid. The trendy estate vied for interest on the Kia stand with the new Niro Plug-in Hybrid.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in hybrid pairs a 11.26kWh lithium-polymer battery pack with a 50kW electric motor to offer a provisional pure electric variety of 38 miles (60km). This compares to 30 miles in the new Toyota Prius Plug-in.
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An emissions figure of 34g/km as well as fuel economic climate of 188mpg are being targeted by Kia, although these will be verified better to introduce in late summer.
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The electric set-up is complemented by Kia’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder GDI engine, which establishes 154bhp and 189Nm. This assists to provide a overall output of 202bhp, with 0-62mph dispatched in 9.7 seconds. Power is transmitted to the road with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
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Luggage area is down from the common Sportswagon at 440 litres, instead of 552 in the common estate, because of the siting of the battery pack under the boot floor, however this still compares favourably to the Prius Plug-in at 360 litres. With all the seats folded, the capability is 1,574 litres.
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Styling cues borrowed for the Plug-in hybrid saloon include much more aerodynamically effective bumpers, side skirts as well as wheels, chrome highlights as well as Eco Plug-in badging.
Inside, the dash is dominated by an eight-inch touchscreen which is compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, while there’s a new instrument cluster.
An range of security devices is fitted, too, including electronic stability control, lane-keep help as well as autonomous emergency braking.
The Optima Sportswagon Plug-in hybrid will go on sale in the second half of the year, with costs still to be confirmed.
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