2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Review

The striking Kia Optima sedan, the brand's new 2012 entered the European D segment, is also offered with hybrid drive since early 2013. This version of the sporty middle class model with award-winning design is characterized by specific performance, powerful acceleration, low emission values ​​and exceptional value for money, which by the 7-Year Kia promise of quality (for details see page 10) or is supported. Than other drive types are available for the Kia sedan 1.7-liter diesel with 136 hp (100 kW) and 165 hp (121-kW) 2-liter gasoline engine to choose from, each available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are. Each of the variants is offered in three versions ATTRACT, EDITION 7 and SPIRIT.

The 2013 KIA Optima Hybrid
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid

The hybrid version is an evolution of the original Kia Optima Hybrid with 2.4-liter engine - which was designed primarily for the U.S. market - and exclusively occur for the European market determined (only available in left-hand drive). The technologies of the Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0 - combining a 2-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor - will in future also be used in other Kia production models in Europe and worldwide. The sedan was produced in Korea, the first hybrid vehicle of the Hyundai-Kia Group in the European market and one of the first gasoline-hybrid models in the European D-segment with its launch.

"The Kia Optima Hybrid combines the best of two worlds: performance and economy in consumption," said Martin van Vugt, Managing Director (COO) Kia Motors Germany. "We can offer our customers an exciting range of engines for the Kia Optima, which is an important image support our brand. As the first hybrid model from Kia in the European market this sedan demonstrates intelligent engineering solutions and innovative technologies that have a wide appeal and will bring new customers to our brand."

2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Panoramic Sunroof
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Panoramic Sunroof

Combined Driving Force in 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h


The innovative, developed by Kia parallel hybrid system with a system output of 190 hp (140 kW) and a maximum torque of 340 Nm accelerates the Kia Optima in 9.4 seconds from zero to 100 kilometers per hour and a top speed of 190 kilometers per hour. At the same time this model is Kia with an average consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers on the most fuel efficient in its class and can boast CO2 emissions of just 119 grams per kilometer.

The hybrid system of the Kia Optima requires no configuration due to its high-performance electric motor and generator, saving weight and cost. As electric drive unit is a 40-hp (30-kW) with embedded permanent magnet synchronous motor (interior permanent magnet IPM). Due to the torque of 205 Nm - that is from zero to 1400 rpm available - contributes to the electric motor for powerful acceleration of the Kia Optima Hybrid. The 2-liter petrol engine from the "Nu" series is a modern lightweight engine with variable valve timing (CVVT). The engine develops 150 hp (110 kW) and 180 Nm of torque.

The gasoline engine and the electric motor driving through a six-stage automatic transmission - without the traditional torque converter - the front wheels. By a special clutch can disengage the gasoline engine from the drivetrain. In all-electric operation of the Kia Optima Hybrid can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. By default, the hybrid model is equipped with EcoDynamics including start-stop system: as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop, the gasoline engine switches off automatically after a few seconds. To reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the "Active Eco" also contributes feature in which is switched by button on the steering wheel and in every driving situation automatically selects the most economical driving speed of the transmission.

2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Sleek
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid - Sleek, modern design makes this vehicle stand out

Seamless Transition Between Electric and Hybrid Drive


The entire hybrid system is fully automatic and with seamless transitions between the various drive types. For starting and when driving at low speed, the Kia Optima Hybrid uses the electric motor. At higher acceleration or higher speeds activates a starter motor (hybrid starter motor / generator, HSG), the gasoline engine, which incorporates by engaging the clutch to the drive. At the same time the electric motor switches into hybrid operation at, and in this mode has two functions: First, it serves as an additional drive motor - for example, at full acceleration and uphill - to the other as a generator that while driving and also every time the brakes the battery charging. Because the regenerative braking system of the Kia Optima Hybrid provides the braking energy recovery (recuperation). The electric motor converts electrical energy into kinetic, which is then stored in the battery. Also, the starter motor (HSG) is also a generator. He charges the battery when the battery charge is low and the vehicle is stationary.

Most Modern Battery, Modified Gearbox, Agile Handling


The heart of the pioneering hybrid system is the lithium-polymer battery (LiPo). As the first car manufacturer Kia has (together with Hyundai) used this advanced battery technology in a production vehicle. Developed in collaboration with LG Chem Li-Po battery of the Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0 is compared with a conventional nickel-metal hydride battery to 20 percent lighter and 40 percent smaller. Additional benefits include significantly reduced self-discharge (the LiPo battery holds its charge for a 25 percent longer period), the high power output and energy density, low heat - and not least the Longevity: The battery of the Kia Optima Hybrid is like the entire vehicle is equipped with a 7-year warranty (or 150,000 km).

During acceleration is at full torque of the electric motor from the beginning and with uniform thickness are available. This advantage of the hybrid system not only contributes to the dynamics, but also on the fuel efficiency of the Kia Optima Hybrid. Compared to the Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi Automatic - the hitherto most economical automatic version of the sedan - undercuts the hybrid version of the diesel in the combined fuel consumption by 15 percent (in urban traffic by 25 percent) and produces 25 percent less CO2.

As the gasoline engine of Kia Optima and the six-automatic transmission for the hybrid version has been modified. The function of the conventional torque converter are transferred to the electric motor and a highly efficient oil pump. The new transmission provides pure electric operation of the Kia Optima Hybrid and maximizes the recovery of braking energy. In addition, it offers a more agile driving behavior than the comparable models continuously variable transmission.

2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Solar Control Glass
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Solar Control Glass

Optimised Aerodynamics (CD value: 0.26), Modified Interior


The award winning design of the Kia Optima (see below) was aerodynamically perfected for the hybrid version. Changes include new front and rear bumpers, special sill aprons, Alloy wheels with very low air resistance, smooth underbody cladding, a rear spoiler on the trunk lid and a radiator grille with 'active air flap "that closes at higher speeds. Through all these measures, the drag coefficient has been reduced significantly - from 0.29 to 0.26.

Cockpit in the Kia Optima Hybrid features a special Supervision instrument cluster with a 4.6-inch LCD display: It serves as a reminder for the on-board computer and provides the driver with information about the same time several hybrid powertrain, the energy flow to the "ECO" level of the current driving style. Other enhancements in the interior include a modified center console, door trim with leatherette inserts (standard) and special fabric seat covers with leather edges (basic version ATTRACT; EDITION 7: Sport seats with leather-fabric combination; SPIRIT: Part leather seats).

2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Interior
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Dashboard Interior

A Design Like a "Perfect Italian Suit Sitting


The external dimensions of the Kia Optima all versions are identical. The 4.85 meter long and 1.83 meter wide sedan has a long wheelbase (2.80 meters) - the basis of the very generous interior space - and a dynamically flat silhouette (height: 1.46 meters). The system developed based on a new model platform has encountered extremely positive response worldwide. Immediately became a bestseller in the D segment - in its home market of Korea, where the Kia Optima already went on sale in mid-2010, he was - the first Kia model ever.

The Kia Optima embodies "a bold, athletic and sporty power," as Peter Schreyer put it, the president and chief designer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group. Under his leadership, the model was designed in Kia's design centers in Frankfurt and Irvine (California). "With this sedan, we have created a vehicle that nobody expected of us - and that's what we wanted to achieve," says Schreyer. "The Kia Optima is another element in the unfolding of Kia design DNA. With its blend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes he captivates the eye in the same way as a fine and perfect fit Italian suit. "

Thanks to the balance between the strong proportions and the elegant simplicity of the curved roof line gives the Kia Optima from every perspective a confident impression. The high, ¬ pronounced shoulder line, the structured edges and the powerfully flared wheel arches give it an elegant yet athletic appearance. Emphasizes the coupé-like profile the dynamics and contributes to the good aerodynamics.

2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Leather Seat
2013 KIA Optima Hybrid Leather Seat

Comprehensive 7-Year Kia Promise of Quality


For all newly registered Kia vehicles applies from Europe in 2010, the 7-Year Kia warranty (or 150,000 km in the first three years unlimited mileage). In addition, twelve years against rust perforation and five years with unlimited mileage paint warranty (or 150,000 km). Is also a 7-year warranty (or 150,000 miles) for the lithium-polymer battery of the hybrid system.

Since April 2013 Kia Motors Germany also granted an extended from 3 years to 7 years Mobility warranty. It includes, among other benefits such as roadside assistance or towing or recovering the vehicle, the takeover of the cost of hotel (up to four nights), rental car (up to six days) and home or onward journey, the delivery of spare parts and the non-repatriation repaired vehicle.

The Kia Optima Hybrid at a Glance


  • Concept: Powerful, environmentally friendly and economical midsize sedan with a sporty design, space and rich Basic equipment / One of the first gasoline-hybrid models in the European D-segment.
  • Data: development of the U.S. hybrid version with 2.4-liter petrol / For European Market / premiere at Paris Motor Show 2012 / length of 4.85 meters, wheelbase 2 , 80 meters / Germany start in early 2013.
  • Style: Does largely to the basic model: simple, elegant lines, coupe-like profile, athletic and dynamic appearance / Excellent with world-renowned design awards (including "red dot: best of the best") / hybrid version (reduced drag coefficient to 0.26) with optimized aerodynamics.
  • Interior: High quality and comfortable interior, the space in the top section of this class is (leg room front 1155 mm) / Sporty, ergonomic cockpit with SuperVision instrument / 381 liters of cargo space
  • Features: basic version ATTRACT: 2-zone climate control, audio system, electric driver's seat with memory function, heated front seats, smart key and start button, mirrors electrically folding, twilight sensor, rain sensor, fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights / EDITION 7: Infinity sound system, Navigation, rearview camera / SPIRIT: Part leather seats, electric front seats, xenon headlights / Optional: Panoramic Roof.
  • Hybrid System: An innovative parallel hybrid system with 190 hp (140 kW) system performance and 340 Nm of torque / in 9.4 seconds to 100 km / h / consumption 5 , 1 liter per 100 km, 119 g / km of CO2 / 2-liter gasoline engine (150 hp/110 kW) and 30 kW electric motor / Pure electric mode up to max. 100 km / h / Latest Battery Technology: Kia's first manufacturer of lithium-polymer battery in series model.
  • Suspension: MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link axle supported rear / electric, speed-sensitive power steering.
  • Security:  stability program (including hill start assist), counter-steering assist, active brake lights, six airbags, active front head restraints / Version SPIRIT with tire pressure control system.
  • Warranty: 7-Year Kia warranty (or 150,000 miles) / rust 12 years, mobility 7 years, paint 5 years / 7 year battery warranty (not 150,000 km) 7-Year Kia navigation map update for factory-installed navigation.
Image source: http://www.kia.com