2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium Tech Evaluation & Test Drive

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Initial released in 2011 and regarded as an superb choice for discerning eco-conscience shoppers, the 2012 is designed to attraction to consumers hunting for a elegant and a very well -appointed sedan that does not sacrifice design, comfort, performance or price for gas proficiency, the new Optima Hybrid offers the identical mix of head-turning design and style and modern facilities that acquired important and client acclaim for the Optima subsequent its debut, and provides a more gas - reliable drivetrain and state-of-the- art lithium-polymer battery pack to supply up to 35mpg/ town and a course - leading 40mpg/ highway.

The Optima Hybrid is accessible in two configurations-a base design or with an advanced Hybrid Premium and Technology Package deal that I examined and came absent very impressed with the all- all around attributes inside and outside the house. The base cost is just $ twenty five, 700.00 and the loaded Top quality / Know-how Package product that I examined detailed for $31,750.00. With individuals low costs think of the funds you can save on gasoline additionally the rewards that the state and federal authorities provides you for purchasing a true hybrid vehicle. You can get it to the financial institution !

The Optima Hybrid capabilities a gas - efficient hybrid powertrain with a 2. four liter four -cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine that generates 166 hp linked by a moist clutch to an Interior Lasting Magnet (IPM) synchronous electrical motor generating 40 hp and 151 lb.ft. of torque up to 1,400 rpm (in full electric manner only). The advanced powertrain, mated to an effective six - velocity automated transmission, with sequential shifting, presents 35 mpg in the city and up to a course - leading 40 mpg on the freeway. The entire parallel hybrid method can be driven in zero emission, extensive - electrical push mode at speeds up to 62 mph or in blended gas - electric mode at any velocity. When the car or truck arrives to a halt and the electrical load is reduced, the engine shuts down to completely do away with idle gas consumption and emissions. To electrical power the electric powered motor, the Optima Hybrid leverages a state-of-the- art, air-cooled 270V lithium-polymer (Li-PB) battery. Created in partnership with LG Chem, Li-PB chemistry offers an optimum balance of strength delivery, power density, dependability and thermal stability. When compared to typically utilized nickel metal hydride methods, Kias Li-PB process is twenty - 30 % lighter in weight, occupies 40 % a lot less quantity, is ten % much more efficient, provides two periods the energy density, and holds a cost 25 % longer than several competitor methods. At only 95 lbs. the battery program is really durable with warranty coverage for up to ten decades or one hundred fifty,000 miles. Full hp is rated at 154 at 6,000 rpm and 154 lb.ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm.

I genuinely liked this hybrid system since I was in a position to push in electric powered mode only at 60 mph when I gave the powertrain gentle throttle or when just coasting, preserving gas at that reduced mpg speed for common gas - engine vehicles.

Preserving the functionality -oriented but refined aesthetic of its non-hybrid siblings, the Optima Hybrids entire world - course design and style carries on a smooth silhouette and aggressive stance with sculpted elements that evoke a specific enthusiasm and talk the Kia Motors philosophy of creating trendy and exciting -to- push automobiles. In retaining with Kias visual motif, the Optima Hybrid proudly functions a unique hybrid- particular black gloss and chrome version of the manufacturers signature tabbed front grille. 5 millimeters lower than the non-hybrid Optima, the cars coupe-like profile is accentuated by a sweeping chrome arc that flows seamlessly from the A by means of the C pillars, a distinctive design element that visually lowers the auto, even though maximizing its proportions. Optima Hybrids roofline connects with it pronounced shoulder line that prospects to its sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin make a graceful and muscular stance. The appear is distinctive amongst hybrids and incredibly refreshing from any angle.

The Optima Hybrid will come with numerous enhancements to its exterior to strengthen aerodynamics, such as a special headlamp style and design that aids to channel air around the automobile, rear spoiler, sleek underfloor panels that supply improved airflow under the automobile, and smoother rear fascias (sides). The use of an energetic air flap program in the front grille will help to lower drag by instantly opening or closing centered on vehicle pace, motor temperature, and airflow in the entrance of the car. A decrease journey height ( five mm lower ) and special side mirror design, also add to the Optima Hybrids enhanced aerodynamic profile as it cuts by the wind with a coefficient of drag of just.26. Every 2012 Optima Hybrid arrives properly equipped with these regular attributes -hybrid particular, lightweight sixteen in. alloy wheels, SX trim - inspired front and rear decreased bumpers and aspect sills, special LED taillight style and design, rear lip spoiler, one hidden exhaust hint, and a Virtual Engine Sound System that plays a pre-recorded motor sound through electric -only procedure up to 12 mph to help notify folks outside the house the car that it is approaching. The Top quality / Technological innovation package that I analyzed also came with 17 in. alloy wheels with lower -rolling-resistance tires, strength folding outside the house mirrors, and HID headlamps with vehicle leveling.

Like all Optima types, the Optima Hybrid gives smooth modern day lines and many nicely -positioned capabilities inside the cabin and exudes a sporty, but efficient format created with the eco- aware driver in thoughts. From the instrument panel thats contoured toward you to create a cockpit-like really feel to the accurate gauges and engaging technology, the Optima Hybrids interior offers a exceptional driver-centric expertise with no sacrificing passenger ease and comfort or roominess. The car provides to the substantial list of typical ease attributes and elegant appointments identified on the effectively - outfitted Optima LX A/T cut, with devices like an 8 -way power adjustable drivers seat, electric double -zone automatic environment handle with rear vents, force -button start off / end with Sensible Important, Supervision meter instrument cluster with exceptional Lcd show for hybrid info, leather-based -wrapped/tilt/telescoping steering wheel with shift knob, 1 - contact computerized up/down on entrance windows, strength door locks, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear examining lamps, and preset rear seats with a ski pass- by (a attribute not observed on most hybrid midsize sedan competitors ).

The cars A/C technique utilizes an electric compressor, cutting down parasitic losses widespread in belt- driven programs and enabling awesome air to flow with the motor off in idle- cease mode. The Optima Hybrid was the initial Kia to offer you the companys propriety UVO run by Microsoft voice- stimulated infotainment method, which is paired with the AM-FM- Disc -MP3-Sat audio process with Sirius XM satellite radio functions, a back again -up camera, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth with steering wheel-mounted controls. My Premium / Technologies bundle integrated a panoramic sunroof, distinctive 17X7 in. wheels, a four -way electricity adjustable entrance passenger seat, motorists seat memory, heated/cooled entrance bucket seats, HID headlights, heated rear seats and steering wheel, automobile -dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system and an 8 -speaker Infinity audio method. My loaded exam hybrid also arrived with leather -trimmed seats. Also coming normal in the hybrid types are twin map lamps, dual lighted vanity mirrors, get handles previously mentioned just about every seat, dual cupholders and padded armrest on best of the storage bin, storage slots in each and every door, rain-sensing wipers, cruise management, floor mats, and rear-seat pull-down armrest with twin cupholders. This loaded new Optima Hybrid doesnt pass up a defeat to maintain you comfortable and up-to- day with the latest features.

It is also pleasurable -to- push with its distinctive styling and sporting demeanor that is apparent from its sheet metallic down to its system. Optimas minimal, aerodynamic and effective stance is assisted by way of it total size of 190. 7 in.-an boost of 1. 7 in. about the earlier generation model - all round width of seventy two. one in. and a wheelbase of 110 in. and has a very low ground clearance of 5. 1 in. The midsize sedans light-weight layout works by using higher -tensile- energy metal to boost structural power while also reaching significant torsional stiffness, benefitting dealing with, trip top quality and refinement. More actions to aid strengthen noise, vibration and harshness reduction attributes are fitted in the course of the car or truck.

More boosting the existing platform with far more characteristics that are intended to lower fat and boost effectivity contain the lighter and far more aerodynamic wheels that lessen body weight and drag though minimal -rolling-resistance tires are employed to decreased the amount of friction generated when driving, which decreases fuel usage. The in depth use of aluminum as an alternative of metal for the reduce front and rear control arms, tie rods and rear knuckles assists add to the weight reduction of the new Optima Hybrid.

Construct on a unibody body, the entrance -wheel- push Optima Hybrid makes use of unbiased entrance and rear suspension techniques. MacPherson struts, coil springs and an anti-roll bar are used up entrance with a multi- link format in the rear that are joined with coil springs and anti-roll bar to interact drivers with responsive managing and supply the utmost comfort whether or not the street is clean or much less than perfect. An electric powered -assisted, rack & pinion steering system helps tutorial the new Optima Hybrid on its way. Youll feel fantastic feedback from the street with excellent on- center really feel. It is boosted just ideal with sharp opinions when turning.

The new Optima Hybrid uses electrical -regenerating, power -assisted, metal disc brakes at all four -corners for outstanding braking strength. Up entrance are eleven. 8 in. vented discs clamped with double -piston calipers though eleven. two in. stable discs clamped with solitary -piston calipers are in the rear. Assisting to retain you in management and including to your braking electrical power are regular ABS, EBD and BA additionally electronic security manage and traction manage systems all working jointly to keep you and your passengers safe.

Protection is very significant with Kia and the Optima Hybrid will come regular with twin entrance airbags, front -seat-mounted side airbags, complete - size facet curtain airbags, 3 - point seatbelts with pretensioners/load limiters up entrance, the LATCH method for kid seats, Hill Begin Support, a tire tension checking process, entrance /rear crumple zones and metal beams in every door.

With the lowest base cost in the section for a vehicle of this sort that has so a lot of normal characteristics and driving dynamics, the new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is on the leading edge of all midsize sedan hybrids.

COPYRIGHT: 2012: HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Specifications

• Price : Foundation Optima Hybrid$ 25, seven hundred.00 / As- Examined Optima Hybrid High quality Tech $31,750
• Motor : two. 4 -liter 4 -cylinderAtkinson cycle gas engine w/ Inside Long lasting Magnet (IPM) synchronous electrical motor 206 complete horsepower @ 6000 rpm / 195 ft-lbs. whole torque $4250 rpm
• Headroom: f/r- 40 /37. 6 in.
• Legroom: f/r- 45. 5 /34. 7 in.
• Full interior volume : 112. 1 cu.ft.
• Cargo quantity : 9. 9 cu.ft.
• Turning circle: 35. 8 ft.
• Fuel Economic system : 35 mpg metropolis / 40 mpg freeway
• Fuel Tank measurement : 17. two gallons
• Curb fat : three,490 lbs.
• - sixty mph: eight. 4 seconds