Chicago Auto Show 2014: What's New From Kia's Electric/Hybrid Garage

Kia's Niro Concept is a hybrid, offering 4wd capabilities. 

Kia Soul EV will be the brand's first electric vehicle.

Kia Optima Hybrid receives mild upgrades and a face lift.

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid: The Korean Brand's First Green Vehicle

Highlights: This is the Korean brand’s first hybrid. Like all hybrids, when the Optima hybrid comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $27,250

Seating Capacity: 5 occupants

Standard Safety Features: dual front advanced air bags; ABS; traction control; electronic stability control; hill-start assist system which keeps the vehicle from rolling back on a hill; a tire pressure monitoring system and a Vehicle Engine Sound System for the blind

Standard Equipment: hybrid; 16-inch wheels; push-button keyless starter system; keyless entry system; rear camera; power driver’s seat; fog lights; rear spoiler; dual-zone temperature control a/c system: Kia’s signature UVO system (similar to Ford’s SYNC); automatic headlights; a rear seat center armrest with integrated cupholders; and a cooling glove box for drinks and the like

Standard Audio: UVO audio system w/ AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satelite Radio subscription

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Trim Levels:
Base
Premium Tech package

Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes

MP3 Capability: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder/166-hp (engine only) or 206.2 (electric assist)

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 35-city/40-hwy

What’s New: For the 2011, the Kia Optima hybrid is the latest additional to the stylish midsize sedan line up. 

Pros: This stylish hybrid adds a whole new dimension to what it actually means to go green. Not only does Kia’s new hybrid emphasize fuel-efficiency, but it also does so while wearing a sporty exterior package too.

With the Kia Optima, the Korean automaker has managed to offer a roomy, competitively priced hybrid with the perfect mix of standard features. Now for those looking to step-up to a well-equipped Optima, Kia offers the high-end Premium Technology package.

The Premium Technology package, which is priced at $5,000, includes Kia’s blacked-out panoramic sunroof, sporty 17-inch alloy wheel design, a power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, High Intensity Discharge headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic, and an upgraded 8-speaker Infinity audio system.

And, since most hybrids have been criticized for being so quiet, especially when in the presence of the blind, Kia has incorporated a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) to address this concern. This standard feature on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation, helping to notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

Furthermore, this sporty hybrid provides a lot of useful information on the instrument gauge to help ensure that you're driving green.
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Cons:

Unlike some other hybrids we’ve reviewed, we were unable to able to achieve 500 miles from one tank of gas. ( Note: fueleconomy.gov says that the vehicle fuel range is approximately 570 miles on a tank of gas.) However, we must note we did a lot of excessive speeding, while behind the wheel. Ironically, the city mpg on the Optima is actually lower than the highway mileage on the Optima hybrid just like what we found after spending time behind the wheel of GM’s mild hybrids, the 2013 Malibu and 2012 LaCrosse. In most cases, hybrids produce better mileage, when driving around the city than on the highway.

Also with this being a hybrid, the cargo area was reduced to the location of the battery pack. Furthermore, we wish Kia would create another package for the Kia, allowing consumers to opt for a cloth seat package with heated seats and a standalone navigation system without one being forced to order the tech package to get many of the noted features.