The Kia Optima Sportswagon Plug-in hybrid complements the classic combustion versions, with an output of 202 horsepower, it is the second most powerful version after the top GT. You can recognize the plug-in hybrid version from other combustion versions by the full radiator grille, but also by the blue threshold lines and nameplates with EKO inscriptions.
The spacious interior of the car gives a solid impression. Due to the fact that the Hybrid Optima is only available in full equipment, all available comfort is available. Among the features of the equipment, we can mention: Leather electrically adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, leather steering wheel adjustable in a wide range. Modern technologies were not spared either, so you can use wireless charging of your mobile phone thanks to the Qi standard. For entertainment and information, the Optima has a large 8″ infotainment display with an excellent sounding Harman Kardon audio system with 10 speakers and 590 W power.
Although the luggage compartment is reduced due to the location of the batteries, it managed to remain (almost) flat with the rear seats folded down. The penalty for this is that all mandatory equipment as well as charging cables must be carried in the trunk, at least it is equipped with straps for attachment. The fifth door is electrically operated.
The drive is provided by a combination of a naturally aspirated two-liter petrol engine with an output of 115 kW and a 50 kW electric motor. The total power of the system reaches a maximum of 151 kW at 6000 rpm . Power is transmitted using a 6° automatic transmission, even in the case of only electric drive. Personally, I like the character of a gear box better than a variable gear box. The gearbox also has the option of manual shifting. However, I looked in vain for the speed setting on the instrument panel, and the engine speed can only be estimated by hearing. After a short test, I was happy to let the automatic work, which shifted smoothly. The drive system has enough power, but the response to the gas pedal is slower. Acceleration from zero to hundred in 9.4 seconds is not bad at all, especially considering the almost two-ton weight of the car.
The chassis is tuned for comfort and is suitable for a comfortable and smooth ride. Optima is a very well soundproofed car, it was possible to minimize both aerodynamic noise and noise from the chassis. For hybrid cars, efficiency is particularly important, which is why 17″ aerodynamic discs wear tires with low rolling resistance. The air resistance coefficient Cd is 0.28 .
The Li-pol battery has a capacity of 11.26 kWh (9.8 for the sedan), the theoretical range in electric mode is 62 km , the real range of course depends on the driving conditions, especially on the speed and smoothness of the ride. The on-board charger has a power of 3.3 kW, a full charge takes 3 hours. When charging from a standard outlet with the supplied adapter, charging takes up to 7 hours. For faster charging, I would consider either investing in a wallbox or a more powerful portable charger – there is even a 3.7 kW adapter available on the market for a standard 230V outlet for CZK 11,000.
The car can operate in two modes, electric and hybrid. In the first one, the car tries to drive as much as possible on the electric motor. The internal combustion engine will start only when accelerating sharply, or exceeding a speed of approx. 120 km/h. This EV mode can be used until the battery level drops below 15%, after which the hybrid mode is automatically switched on, where pure electric driving occurs only at low speeds. There is still enough energy for acceleration, for example. There is no mode that would specifically recharge the battery.
Among the safety assistants, I would like to mention the adaptive cruise control with the function of driving in a convoy. So it can maintain a distance until it stops, to start again you just need to press the cruise control button and it will start again. Especially in combination with active lane keeping, it made driving more pleasant and safer.
The consumption is very pleasant – during normal driving it was around 5 liters, when driving on the highway 6 liters. Of course, it makes the most sense to drive on electricity as much as possible, with a range of around 50 km, many journeys can be completed without significant consumption of petrol.
Short price lists are common among Asian automakers, and Kia has perfected it with the Optima SW PHEV. Only the full equipment is available at a price of 1,199,980 and the only extra charge is CZK 18,000 for the metallics. The sedan is 50,000 CZK cheaper.
Price of the car in the station wagon variant: CZK 1,199,980
Price of the tested car with additional paint: 1,217,980 CZK
Conclusion
The Optima SW PHEV combines ecology with practicality. You get a spacious station wagon with excellent consumption. You can drive purely on electricity and at the same time you are not dependent on a network of charging stations in case of a longer drive.
