Kia Motors is putting its first global hybrid model on sale with the introduction in the United States this month of the Optima Hybrid.
The Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations, such as advanced lithium polymer batteries that won't need replacing for up to 10 years
or 240,000km.
It makes use of a "full parallel hybrid system", where the 2.4-litre GDi direct injection petrol engine is mated to a small electric motor and drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission - without the traditional torque converter.
A special clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the petrol engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain so that Optima can be operated in zero-emission, full-electric drive mode from standstill up to 100km/h (reached in 9.2 seconds) or in blended electric-petrol mode at any speed.
If the electrical load is low when the car comes to a stop, the engine shuts off to eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine and 40kW electric motor produce a combined power output of 154kW and 265Nm of torque and, when it's running on electric alone, produces no emissions.
Combined emissions are estimated to be 99g of CO2/km.
Kia says the system's configuration does not require a high-capacity electric motor and generator, thus saving weight and cost. The lower weight, coupled with the hybrid drive and the Optima's low CD 0.26 aerodynamic shape, help to improve the new model's town-and-around fuel economy by a claimed 40.7 per cent to 6.2l/100km.
This is aided by lowering the car 5mm and including an "active air flap" in the front grille.
The Optima Hybrid is available in only left-hand-drive, but if it does become available to right-hand-drive markets, Kia Motors New Zealand general manager Todd McDonald said he would be interested.
"It's a very advanced hybrid car, yet simpler and less complicated than some that we have seen come on to the market," he says.
"Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries used in some other hybrids, lithium polymer batteries weigh 20-to-30 per cent less, occupy 40 per cent less volume and are 10 per cent more efficient."
They also hold their charge for 25 per cent longer than nickel-metal hydride batteries.
