Kia has showcased two plug-in hybrid models as this year's Geneva motor show, the Optima Sportswagon PHEV and the Niro PHEV.
Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid
Alongside the Niro, the new Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is the second car unveiled in Geneva with an advanced hybrid powertrain.
Due on-sale across Europe from Q3 2017, the new derivative combines the tourer versatility of the conventional Optima Sportswagon with the high-efficiency powertrain found in the Optima Plug-in Hybrid saloon, introduced in 2016.
The new model is built exclusively for the European market, and offers 440 litres of cargo space – 133 litres more than the saloon – for maximum practicality.
The powertrain combines 2.0-litre four-cylinder GDI engine with a 50kW electric motor and 11.26 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
Total power output is 205PS and 375Nm. Tthe Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid gives drivers a pure electric range of more than 38 miles, and emits just 34g/km CO2.
The car’s low running costs and maximum practicality will enhance the Optima’s appeal among fleet buyers.
The car is equipped with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, providing live traffic updates, speed camera alerts and weather forecasts.
Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The new Niro Plug-in Hybrid will be the first car on the market to capitalise on two significant trends: rising sales of plug-in hybrid models and continued growth in the compact crossover market.
It will go on sale across Europe during Q3 2017, pairing an economical 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine with an 8.9kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack.
The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – engineers are targeting combined CO2 emissions below 30g/km and a zero-emissions pure-electric driving range of 35 miles.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain has minimal effect on the Niro’s packaging. The car’s high-capacity battery pack is located beneath the floor of the 324-litre boot and beneath the rear seat bench, while cabin space is unaffected. There will be an optional Towing Pack – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allows owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300kg.
Regenerative braking technology allows the Niro Plug-In to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while a new Eco Driving Assistant System provides drivers with intelligent guidance on how to drive more efficiently under current conditions.
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Mandt - 07/03/2017 17:50
I appreciate all the hard work that goes into the design of mordern vehicles and they are much improved in many ways; however I have concerns about colours.. It has been known for many years now that drivers and other pedestrians do not notice black and dark cars as well. Also a driver will drive a red vehicle faster than other colours. I would ask that your design team would take this into consideration when working on the colour range and also the advertising and sales teams. We all know speed kills or causes more serious injuries. By the way I spelt colour the UK way! Thank you for your consideration of this very important matter.