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  • 20 November 2015
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    What Can We Expect From Kia’s New 2016 Optima PHEV?

    Kia has revealed their new Optima plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which will join their UK range next year! They also have plans to rival the Toyota Mirai in 2020 with a bespoke fuel cell vehicle (FCEV).

    Athletic Exterior

    Designed to be functional and sporty, maintaining the athletic identity that made the Optima so popular, this new model is a confident step forward. Evolutionary new looks are evident with sharp lines and contemporary surface detailing all packaged into an elongated saloon silhouette.

    At the front there is the signature Kia ‘tiger-nose’ grille with wrap-around headlamps. Interesting features at the rear include new modern LED halo-style tail lamps that extend around the side and a rising spoiler-shaped boot lid.

    New Kia Optima PHEV on the road

    Higher quality interior

    Containing technology and comfort that is usually found in the class above, the Optima boasts a driver-focussed cabin with obsessive attention to detail, offering a cleaner, more unified design than its predecessor.

    Soft-touch materials are found through-out the interior with a greater emphasis on sound-proofing promises for a comfortable ride.

    The car takes advantage of its lengthened wheelbase by 10mm, extended height of 10mm and widened by a further 25mm. This results in a spacious cabin where rear passengers can enjoy an extra 25mm of foot space than in the previous model.

    Economic engine

    The Optima is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 50kw electric motor driven by a six-speed gearbox. Its engine will fully charge in under three hours, with a combined fuel economy of around 119mpg and a 27-mile range on electric-only power.

    A switch in the centre console can be used to operate the different driving modes including battery save and charge. While on the move the battery can be charged by the engine therefore you won’t be required to plug in the charger.


    Regarding the price of the new Optima PHEV model, a Kia spokesperson hinted at around the same price as the diesel models at £27,000. More details on performance specifications will be released at a later date. If you would like to take a look at our current range of Kia vehicles, visit Howards Kia Weston-super-Mare.



    What Can We Expect From Kia’s New 2016 Optima?

    Kia recently debuted their latest Optima concept car design at this year’s New York Motor show, and it’s planned to be on sale in the UK before the end of 2015. At the show, the concept car boasted some exciting new changes and alterations, which are expected to be a large hit with Kia fans. Images were released from the motor show, which tell us that Kia have given the new Optima a mini uplifting makeover.

    Exterior Alterations

    The 2016 model will come with a choice of 5 trims, and the concept car at the show fashioned a completely new chassis which made the vehicle look solid. The car has received a new front grille manufactured from a lighter high-strength steel, larger air intakes which have been placed inside the bumper and new front headlights. The new lights will also contain HID headlight technology with a High Beam Assist system, which automatically turns off full beam lights when it senses oncoming traffic.

    Interior Changes

    Inside, the car’s interior has seen a few adjustments. Kia have invested more money and used a high quality material for the interior, and the concept car revealed other additional soft-touch materials, a set of new comfortable seats, a six-speaker audio system and an infotainment system which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    Ventilated and heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery and an Infinity audio system containing both a 630W amplifier and 14 speakers will be available as an extra add-on with the higher trims of the Optima.

    New engine option

    Kia have added third engine option into the mix, which will be a 1.6 four-cylinder turbo engine available in the LX trim that has an estimated horsepower of 178mph and a 194 lb-feet of torque. Kia have also paired the new 1.6 litre engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is a first for Kia and is brand new to the range.

    Share your thoughts about the new 2016 Kia Optima with us on Facebook and Twitter!


Howard Garages (Weston) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Howard Garages (Weston) Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of finance providers and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

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