Test drive Kia Optima Hybrid: new horizons
The first kilometers behind the wheel of a truly remarkable hybrid sedan.
It is no longer a secret that the Korean car manufacturer Kia, whose development is led by German designer Peter Schreyer, knows how to create beautiful and attractive models. It has long been known that the brand's products are distinguished by reliability and end-user satisfaction. However, the Kia Optima Hybrid shows a new, in some ways, perhaps even more impressive face of the brand - a manufacturer of sophisticated high-tech cars that can compete with representatives of elite companies such as Lexus or Infiniti.
The Hybrid Optima has so far been popular mainly in the US and some Japanese markets, while in Europe the model has remained quite exotic. After a partial redesign of the model this year, Kia intends to promote its hybrid sedan in the Old Continent, including our country. The upgrade of the car touched quite small cosmetic parts and small improvements in aerodynamic performance. Behind the presentable and elegant exterior of the 4,85 meter sedan lies a stylish and luxuriously furnished interior with a standard panoramic glass roof. Standard equipment is downright extravagant and looks almost unbelievable for a car with a price below 70 leva, especially the presence of similar external and internal dimensions and even a hybrid drive. The passenger compartment has not only a cozy atmosphere, but also a surprisingly low level of external noise.
The transmission of the Optima Hybrid also exceeds expectations - Korean engineers decided to prevent the influence of "rubber" acceleration on planetary transmissions and equipped their car with a classic six-speed transmission with a torque converter. Thanks to the good synchronization between the various drive components, acceleration is smooth and, if not sporty, at least confident enough for this type of vehicle. Only electricity can be moved at speeds up to 99,7 km per hour - a value achievable in real conditions. As a rule of thumb, for all hybrids, the Optima performs best in a specific driving mode, without the need for frequent acceleration, and also without climbs. However, in such conditions, the car behaves more than worthy - during the tests, the section from Borovets to Dolna Banya was passed with a consumption of 1,3 l / 100 km (!) At an average speed of just under 60 km / h, and the return to Sofia along the highway increased consumption by up to four percent.
CONCLUSION
The Kia Optima Hybrid boasts more than just a stylish design - the car shows impressive fuel economy potential, provides excellent comfort and is very reasonably priced in terms of size and standard equipment. An excellent choice for people who are looking for a combination of individual character and hybrid technology.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
2020-08-29
