2016 Kia Optima

Kia Niro and Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrids revealed

Kia has extended its range of plug-in hybrids to include the Optima wagon and Niro SUV

Kia has extended its line-up to include two new plug-in hybrids: the Niro and Optima Sportswagon PHEV.

The firm claims fuel economy of 217.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 29g/km for the Niro PHEV, with power of 139bhp and torque at 195lb ft. This marks an increase in fuel economy of 143mpg over the standard car’s 74.3mpg and a CO2 improvement of 59g/km.

These upgrades make the Niro PHEV Kia’s most fuel-efficient car yet, and it has an electric-only range of 36 miles. Top speed is increased to 107mph, and acceleration to 62mph drops from 11.5sec to 10.4sec.

Three drive modes are available: Eco and Normal, as well as a Manual Sports mode that allows drivers to select gears themselves. Drivers can also choose between pure electric EV mode and hybrid HEV mode. Kia’s Coasting Guide Control reads the navigation to pre-empt approaching road conditions and maximise efficiency, by recharging the batteries through coasting.

On the outside, the Niro PHEV is marked out by its metallic blue trim on the front and rear bumpers, as well as the charge socket on the passenger side front wing.

The Niro PHEV starts at £27,995 after the government’s £2500 plug-in grant, and is based on the 3-spec mild hybrid. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are AEB and lane-keep assist.

The Optima PHEV Sportswagon was also revealed, months after the advent of its saloon sibling. Kia claims an increase in range and fuel economy and lower emissions than the saloon. Although 201.8mpg versus the saloon’s 176.6mpg is claimed, the PHEV has 15 litres less boot capacity than its petrol- or diesel-only counterpart.

Like the Niro PHEV, blue trim at the front and rear of the car separates it from the standard Optima Sportswagon; while, under the surface, there are larger brakes - 300mm to the standard 262mm - and tweaked suspension to deal with the excess weight.

The car’s 202bhp gives identical performance figures to the Optima PHEV saloon: a 9.4sec 0-62mph time, 119mph top speed and CO2 emissions of 33g/km.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/kia-niro-and-optima-sportswagon-plug-hybrids-revealed
 
Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV 2017 review

Should I buy one?

Overall, the Optima Sportswagon PHEV is a decent package.

The high-end specification that it comes in makes it feel semi-premium, albeit with some less soft-touch plastics, and even when being driven harder than normal, the car rises to the challenge of delivering promising fuel economy without being a complete snooze.

It’s hard to overlook the dynamic shortcomings of this car, though, especially when you compare it with its rivals, even if they are more expensive.

The Optima Sportswagon PHEV's good bits really are very good, but its bad bits are too conspicuous to warrant a more generous rating.

If you’re after a quiet, comfortable, semi-premium commuter car that won’t break the bank when you’re travelling locally, you can do far worse. If you’re after a plug-in hybrid that stands out from the crowd dynamically and hides its extra weight, the Passat GTE may be more your cup of green tea.

Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV 2.0 GDi

Where Hampshire; On sale Now; Price £35,145; Engine 1999cc, petrol, plug-in hybrid; Power 154bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 189lb ft at 5000rpm; Gearbox 6-spd automatic; Kerbweight 1815kg; Top speed 119mph; 0-60mph 9.4sec; Fuel economy 201.8mpg; CO2 rating 33g/km; Rivals Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate C350e, Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/optima/first-drives/kia-optima-sportswagon-phev-2017-review

5f4e14116582ec705bd242df63bdad23.jpg


fb8daca8f79554af7e6328fff5ebdc29.jpg


990c7597ab3dbddad60b8bf23d884130.jpg
 
Kia Optima GT: Family Sedan Comparison 2018 | motoring.com.au

[video=youtube;d-SmEd46fsk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-SmEd46fsk[/video]
 
Updated Kia Optima gets two new engines and added safety kit for 2018

Kia's £21k saloon and its Sportswagon estate sibling get revised looks along with extra petrol and diesel engines; on sale in the summer

Kia has updated its Optima saloon and Optima Sportswagon estate with revised styling, new engines and additional technology and will display the models at the Geneva motor show.

A new 1.6-litre diesel engine with 134bhp and 236lb ft replaces the 139bhp 1.7 CRDi unit in the Optima. The new powerplant employs selective catalytic reduction, which, Kia claims, "significantly reduces emissions".

Kia's existing 178bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit, which is also used in the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Kona, has also been added to the engine line-up, slotting between the naturally aspirated 161bhp 2.0 GDi and the 242bhp 2.0 T-GDi of the Optima GT. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In addition, a new drive mode selector, which alters accelerator and steering responses, lets drivers choose from four set-ups: Eco, Comfort, Sport and automatic.

Styling revisions to the Optima include a new front bumper design, chrome grille highlights, headlight design, foglight design and LED tail-lights. The saloon also gains a new rear bumper design. There's also a fresh paint colour, Runway Red, and new 16in, 17in and 18in alloy wheel designs.

Sporty GT and GT-Line models add LED foglights, twin tailpipes and gloss black highlights for the door mirror caps, side sills and air intake grille.

Inside, a new steering wheel, extra trim on the dashboard and six-colour ambient lighting have been introduced, along with leather and brown cloth upholstery options.

The infotainment is Kia's latest system, displayed on a 7.0in or 8.0in touchscreen, featuring sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a new 360deg parking camera.

In terms of safety tech, a driver awareness monitor joins lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The update to the Optima follows a record year for the model in Europe, in which Kia shifted 16,800 examples, compared with 9600 in 2016, the model's first full year on sale.

Kia Europe CEO Michael Cole said: "The Optima is a key contributor to Kia’s sustainable growth in Europe, and its sales momentum has been maintained through the introduction of new variants in 2017, these including the Sportswagon, GT variants and plug-in hybrid".

The 2018 Optima will go on sale in the third quarter of 2018. A small price increase over the current £20,845 entry point is expected.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...ima-gets-two-new-engines-and-added-safety-kit
 
Kia Optima [US]

The refreshed 2019 Kia Optima debuted at the New York International Auto Show today. Kia's best-selling midsize sedan was unveiled with new design cues inside and out, expanded ADAS technology, a new UVO infotainment strategy and available European-inspired red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats. Additional available enhancements to the Optima line include new alloy wheel choices, ambient LED interior lighting, and a new Passion Red exterior color.

"The Optima continues to be one of our best-sellers for good reason; its stand-out design sets it apart from other cars in the midsize segment," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2019 refresh sharpens the overall design inside and out and we are making a number of ADAS technologies standard across the entire Optima line, which underlies the tremendous value Optima offers. A new approach to our award-winning telematics system, UVO, will make it easier for buyers to understand its features and UVO link includes an embedded modem. The new two-tone sport seats are for those looking to differentiate their Optima with unique European-inspired design cues."

Proudly assembled in the U.S. at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Georgia, the 2019 Optima will go on sale in late 2018 and will be offered in four trim variants: LX, S, EX, and SX.

Design Enhancements

The 2019 Kia Optima receives a number of redesigned interior and exterior elements. The LX comes standard with Stinger-inspired LED daytime running lights, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte gray-finish grill.

https://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2019-optima_us-version/

IMG_8196.JPG

IMG_8197.JPG

IMG_8198.JPG

IMG_8199.JPG
 
Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi GT-Line S review

Should I buy one?

Handling criticisms aside, the Optima is a fine overall package for those who aren’t looking to be entertained by the driving experience. The new, more refined engine boosts its credibility as a relaxing cruiser too.

It’s also loaded with kit in GT-Line S form, with everything from heated and ventilated electric seats, to a panoramic roof and autonomous ‘stop and go’ traffic jam assistance. The bodykit and luxuries of this trim level are tempting, but the £31,400 price tag puts it in some seriously capable (and faster) company.

There’s an easier case to make for a sub-£25k ‘3’ spec model, which still comes with most of the desirable equipment and the same engine, but is cheap enough to tempt C-segment shoppers out of a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.

Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.6 CRDI DCT GT-Line S specification

Where Berkshire Price £31,400 On sale Now Engine 4 cyls, 1598cc, turbo, diesel Power 134bhp at 4000rpm Torque 236lb ft at 2000rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1635kg Top speed 120mph 0-62mph 11.4sec Fuel economy 61.4mpg CO2 122g/km Rivals Volkswagen Passat Estate, Ford Mondeo Estate, Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...a-optima-sportswagon-16-crdi-gt-line-s-review

000F0A26-561B-4161-B175-9EE6F1D6A21C.jpeg60FA37D2-C33B-4C2D-B371-B8F7FA7EF19C.jpeg4A8E3D8C-4F39-4138-9017-97CC9EF4EE94.jpeg9731B30B-5036-4C29-9689-DEA01B814CC9.jpeg81AA4365-9178-48EA-854B-D964CA2B967F.jpegAC1ABA1D-880E-4323-9A89-14D012936B56.jpeg
 
Kia pulls plug on Optima in UK with no replacement coming

Kia UK will wind down sales of saloon and estate imminently, while Stinger range is set to be slimmed down to just the V6

Kia UK will make significant changes to its large car line-up, with the Optima due to be axed imminently. The Stinger will also soon be reduced to one engine as part of model year updates.

Although the Optima, which has been available only in Sportswagon estate form for some time, is still live on the firm’s configurator, a Kia UK spokesperson told Autocar that it would be winding down sales of the car and relying on existing dealer stock to fulfil any further orders.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X