Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV launched

Following the introduction of Kia’s Optima Plug-in Hybrid saloon in 2016, a Sportswagon estate version has been unveiled. It’s a logical move, especially considering the threats being made by numerous cities to restrict or even ban diesel-fuelled vehicles.

The powertrain is carried over from the four-door unchanged. That means a 154 bhp (115 kW / 156 PS) 2.0 litre direct-injection ‘Nu’ petrol engine is combined with a 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor.

Total system output is rated at 202 bhp (150 kW / 205 PS), with 375 Nm (276 lb/ft) of peak torque available. Delivery is to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV (2018) Front Side

Thanks to an 11.26 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and regenerative braking, pure-electric range is anticipated to exceed 37 miles (60 kilometres) at speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h). Provisional New European Driving Cycle efficiency figures are 188.3 mpg (1.5 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 34 g/km.

One obvious reason for choosing the estate over the saloon is extra practicality. Indeed, luggage capacity for the former is 440 litres, but that volume increases to 1,574 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded flat.

Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV (2018) Interior

Sales of the Korean-built Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid are due to begin across Europe during the third quarter of 2017. Prices have yet to be revealed.

Related posts:
Kia Stinger European specifications announced
UK prices for the Kia Optima Sportswagon
Kia adds a plug-in hybrid to its Optima range

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more