KIA Boosts Fuel Economy in the Optima
Kia isn’t just aiming to bring buyers new vehicles each year, but to improve and advance their technology with each new model. This is abundantly apparent with the second generation Optima Hybrid, Kia’s first gasoline-electric midsize sedan for the U.S. market. It doesn’t just target a 10 percent increase in fuel economy; it achieves it with 39 mpg on the highway and 46 mpg in the city.
Boasting recognition from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com among the “10 Best Hybrid Cars Under $40,000,” the 2017 Optima features a new hybrid powertrain that adds efficiency to its elegant design and exhilarating drive. With improved aerodynamics and a new six-speed automatic transmission and two-liter Gasoline Direct Injection engine, the 2017 model is able to accomplish new feats.
“Kia is pursuing a bold initiative to increase fuel efficiency by 25 percent across our entire model line-up by 2020, and new models like the Optima HEV and PHEV will be critical to realizing that vision,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at Kia Motors America. “The brand’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with our history of delivering premium amenities and value, has never been more evident than in these all-new hybrid vehicles, which are world-class examples of green engineering, advanced technology and design.”
Efforts to maximize fuel economy include integrating the active air flap and adding a new electric water pump and electric oil pump. The biggest changes were the replacement of the previous 2.4-liter engine with the 2.0-liter GDI four cylinder and addition of the more compact but high-density and lightweight lithium-polymer battery pack (with a 13-percent increase in capacity) paired with the hybrid starter-generator and six-speed automatic transmission.
With its battery right under the floor, the Optima Hybrid has more versatility, available with 60/40 split-folding seats. The spacious interior of the EX Hybrid includes standard features, such as:
- Navigation tech with GPS, voice recognition, Google Maps and SD Card capability
- Leather seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Harman Kardon Quantum Logic premium surround-sound with 10 speakers
- Eight-inch touch screen
- Rearview camera system
- Bluetooth technology
- UVO infotainment service
- Satellite radio
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
This new Optima Hybrid features fuel-saving technology, which is also available in the Niro Hybrid. It’s Kia’s Eco-DAS1 (Driver Assistance System) or “Coasting Guide,” which coaches drivers by instructing them when to coast and brake so fuel economy will be maximized.
This advanced hybrid technology also features Predictive Energy Control, which uses the navigation system and cruise control to foresee topographical changes and manage energy flow accordingly. This will allow the car to know when it is best to recharge the battery and expend its stored energy.
It’s easy to see that the newly introduced Kia Motors EcoDynamics is well on its way to reduce the carbon footprint and improve miles per gallon in Kia cars.
With the Premium at a starting MSRP of $25,995 and the EX with a $30,990 starting MSRP, the 2017 Kia Hybrid Optima is available now, so give us a call at Raymond Kia, a certified KIA dealership, to find out more about these eco-friendly automobiles. We’re your “KIA dealership near me” and have a new inventory we can’t wait to share.
