5 important things you need to know about the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid Sedan!
Kia of USA has today released official details and specifications of their award-winning Optima hybrid sedan.
Available in two trims, the Hybrid and Hybrid EX, the Optima hybrid sedan continues to offer an array of standard safety features, along with its highly efficient hybrid electric drivetrain.
The 2015 version of the Optima hybrid is already on sale at your local Kia dealership.
Things you need to know about 2015 Optima hybrid
1. “Carry over” model
The 2015 Kia Optima is a »carry over« model, which means it is the same as the previous year (2014) model. There are no changes applied to the exterior and interior of the car, while the hybrid electric drivetrain remains the same as previously, too.
2. Hybrid Powertrain Specs
For the 2015, the Optima hybrid continues to offer a highly-efficient drivetrain that mates a 47 horsepower electric motor, 47-kW lithium polymer battery pack and a 2,4L 4-cylinder engine.
Combined, the powertrain unit generates 199 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft of torque.
The power is delivered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, which enables quick and smooth shifting.
3. MPG figures
According to Kia, the 2015 Optima Hybrid delivers 36mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined.
The Optima Hybrid EX achieves an EPA estimated 35mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined.
As you could have noticed, there’s a small difference in the fuel economy figures of the two trim levels… here’s why:
The Hybrid trim comes available with 16-inch tires, while the Hybrid EX model comes equipped with 17-inch tires.
4. Styling Changes
Styling-wise, the Optima hybrid features the same attractive exterior layout as the gas-pwered model.
However, Kia has made some tweaks to differentiate the model from its gas-powered sibling models.
The styling tweaks not only lower the car’s drag coefficient, which improves the overall fuel economy, but also make the vehicle stand out among similarly sized hybrid cars (rivals).
Styling changes are the following: more aerodynamic alloy wheels, unique front signature grille, revised front bumper with new fog lamps, LED headlights, exclusive fender badges, unique tail-lamps and different rear bumper.
5. List of Features
As each and every Kia vehicle, the hybrid version of the 2015 Optima comes standard with industry leading warranty, as well as a large number of safety and convenience features.
Offered for the first time (new for 2015) is the acoustic laminated windshield which comes standard on the Hybrid EX model and optional on the Hybrid trim level.
The car comes available with a variety of standard safety features including 6 airbags, ABS braking system, traction control system, electric stability control, hill assist control and many others.
Although, Kia hasn’t implemented many changes to the 2015 Optima hybrid sedan, the vehicle remains as one of the most appealing hybrid cars currently on the market.
If you’re looking for a high quality hybrid car, the 2015 Optima hybrid may be your best choice!
