News

Kia Optima Sportswagon PHEV updated for 2019

Kia has updated the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid for 2019, with a redesigned lower front bumper and the addition of LED daytime running lights that give a more dynamic appearance. The 17-inch alloy wheels have been revised, with a new diamond-cut design.

The range of grades has been expanded to two, with a new ‘PHEV Plus’ grade joining the line-up. Additional equipment includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, Smart High Beam Assist, Hydrophobic front glass, a smart powered tailgate, ventilated front seats, Smart Park Assist System (SPAS), a wireless mobile phone charger, 360-degree Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear-cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

With a range of up to 33 miles in all-electric mode, the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid is able to complete many regular urban commuter runs with no tailpipe emissions, while its CO2 figure of just 33g/km (NEDC 2.0) means company car users pay just 13 per cent benefit-in-kind taxation in 2018-19.

The Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid combines a 152bhp 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a 50kW (66bhp) electric motor powered by an 11.26kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The electric motor replaces the torque converter in the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. When working together, the combustion engine and electric motor generate 202bhp and 375Nm of torque.

The most significant aerodynamic change is an active air flap grille which lowers the car’s drag co-efficient (Cd) to 0.28 when closed. The integration of the batteries in the boot floor, along with a 15-litre reduction in the size of the fuel tank compared with the diesel-engined Optima Sportswagon, means the plug-in hybrid is able to offer 440 litres of luggage capacity with all seats upright, rising to 1,574 litres when the rear seats are lowered.

A package of aerodynamic and styling changes distinguishes the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid from its diesel-engined counterparts, and these have been further enhanced for 2019. The lower front bumper has been completely redesigned, adding LED daytime running lights, intended deliver a more dynamic appearance. The 17-inch alloy wheels have also been revised and now have a new diamond-cut design. The changes make the plug-in hybrid more efficient at cutting through the air, thus saving precious energy, while ensuring that it is instantly recognisable as the most efficient car in the range.

UK Optima Sportswagon PHEV line-up

Variant Power
bhp
Torque
ft lb
0–60
mph sec
Max speed
mph
Combined
mpg (WLTP) 
CO2 g/km
(NEDC 2.0)
‘PHEV’ 2.0 GDi 202 277 9.4 119 188.3 33
‘PHEV Plus’ 2.0 GDi 202 277 9.4 119 188.3 33

Pricing

Variant OTR from
‘PHEV’ 2.0 GDi £34,995
‘PHEV Plus’ 2.0 GDi £38,995

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