Kia has unveiled the Optima Sportswagon PHEV and Niro PHEV, both featuring plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The new models will go on sale in Q3 2017 and offer fleet customers an attractive balance of emissions and range.
Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The new Niro Plug-in Hybrid will be the first car on the market to capitalise on two significant trends: rising sales of plug-in hybrid models and continued growth in the compact crossover market.
The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – engineers are targeting combined CO2 emissions below 30g/km and a zero-emissions pure-electric driving range of 35 miles.
Under the bonnet is an economical 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine and electric motor which utilises an 8.9kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack .
The plug-in hybrid powertrain has minimal effect on the Niro’s packaging. The car’s high-capacity battery pack is located beneath the floor of the 324-litre boot and beneath the rear seat bench, while cabin space is unaffected. There will be an optional Towing Pack – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allows owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300kg.
Regenerative braking technology allows the Niro Plug-In to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while a new Eco Driving Assistant System provides drivers with intelligent guidance on how to drive more efficiently under current conditions.
Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid
Alongside the Niro, the new Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is the second car unveiled in Geneva with an advanced hybrid powertrain.
The new derivative combines the tourer versatility of the conventional Optima Sportswagon with the high-efficiency powertrain found in the Optima Plug-in Hybrid saloon, introduced in 2016.
The new model is built exclusively for the European market, and offers 440 litres of cargo space – 133 litres more than the saloon – for maximum practicality.
The powertrain combines 2.0-litre four-cylinder GDI engine with a 50kW electric motor and 11.26 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.
Total power output is 205PS and 375Nm. Tthe Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid gives drivers a pure electric range of more than 38 miles, and emits just 34g/km CO2.
The car’s low running costs and maximum practicality will enhance the Optima’s appeal among fleet buyers.
The car is equipped with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, providing live traffic updates, speed camera alerts and weather forecasts.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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