2012 Kia Optima in Chattanooga, TN - $9,492

Originally introduced at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, Kia's groundbreaking spirit continues under the hood with the Optima Hybrid sedan. With a stunning design, roomy interior, class-leading fuel efficiency, the Optima Hybrid is Kia Motors America's (KMA) first hybrid vehicle offered for sale in the United States. The Optima Hybrid is set apart from the regular sedan by several unique features, including front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, headlamp design, heated outside mirrors, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills and LED tail lamp design.

Now available in two trim levels, base and EX, the Optima Hybrid features numerous powertrain refinements this year for smoothness and drivability, including a more robust 47 HP electric traction motor, a stronger Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) and a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery. Although the combined horsepower rating is slightly lower than before, the combined torque is significantly higher resulting in a more responsive and powerful sedan.

In addition to increases in performance and efficiency, the 2013 Optima Hybrid also benefits from greater trunk space than before, thanks to the repackaging of the vehicle's battery pack. Furthermore, the EX model adds navigation with back-up camera, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch wheels to the already long list of amenities.

Starting with a sophisticated 2.4L four-cylinder gasoline engine, the Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

The Optima Hybrid also is among the first full hybrid systems on the market to use a typical step-ratio six-speed automatic transmission. An external electrically-driven oil pump also has been added to provide the hydraulic fluid pressure needed to keep the clutches engaged when the vehicle is in idle stop mode.

The Optima Hybrid's electric motor is hard-coupled to the input of the transmission and equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric traction motor. This replaces the torque converter, with a multi-disc clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the gasoline engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain for idle stop and electric drive modes. Employing this layout allows the entire package, including a torsional damper, to fit virtually within the same area as the traditional torque converter.

Another unique component of the Optima Hybrid is the Hybrid-Starter-Generator (HSG). This starter motor-generator is belt-driven off the Theta II engine and operates at the same 270 volts as the electric traction motor and the lithium polymer battery, but does not provide any tractive effort to the vehicle. In its place, the HSG is used only to start the engine and then to charge the hybrid battery.

The Optima Hybrid adds to the extensive list of standard convenience features and stylish appointments found on the well-equipped Optima LX automatic. The Optima Hybrid is also the first Kia vehicle to offer the company's proprietary UVO powered by Microsoft® hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system which is paired with the AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system and features a rear-view camera, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Based on Windows Embedded Auto Software, UVO is an easy-to-use hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.



Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 110.0; overall length: 190.7; width: 72.1; height: 57.1

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 159 hp at 5,500 rpm and 154 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; HEV – 46.9 hp at 1,630-3,000 rpm and 151.2 lbs-ft of torque at 0-1,630 rpm; Lithium polymer battery pack – 47 kW.

Transmission: six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 36 city/40 highway

Cargo capacity: 10.8 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, hill assist control, tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, back-up camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and smart key with push-button start. EX adds high intensity discharge headlamps, navigation system, and HomeLink universal garage door opener.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan starts from $25,900 for the LX and $31,950 for the EX. Destination charges add $800.00.