The popular Kia midsize sedan has been picking up awards and accolades since the day it first rolled off the production line.
Kia Motors America continued to tweak the design and performance of the vehicle and took it to all new levels with the release of the 2011 Optima hybrid two years ago.
That model is now getting a new release, with the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid set to arrive with an even better fuel efficiency, performance, cargo space, and premium features included.
2013 Kia Optima hybrid car changes
Included in the changes are numerous powertrain refinements that improve drivability, courtesy of a more powerful 47-horsepower electric motor, a stronger hybrid starter generator and a more powerful 47-kWh lithium polymer battery.
The overall horsepower rating is now (199 horsepower), which is slightly less than 206 horsepower on the previous model, but that is offset by an increase in torque.
The torque in the 2013 Optima hybrid has increased from 195 lb-ft to 235 lb-ft.
MPG figures of the Optima hybrid 2013
The latest version of the Optima hybrid comes available in two trim levels, the base and EX.
The base Optima hybrid delivers an estimated 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined, which makes it a touch more efficient that its predecessor. The Optima hybrid EX, on the other hand, achieves an EPA estimated 35 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
Larger cargo room
The 2013 Kia Optima hybrid sedan offers more than just improved performance, though, as it now boasts more cargo space than ever before.
The EX model aslo comes with some premium features, such as the navigation system, back-up camera, panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a “killer” 8-speaker audio system.
Other things that set the 2013 Kia Optima hybrid apart from the gasoline model are satin finished front grille surrounding, and the trim on the lower front fascia.
The lighting is also a little different, as is the Kia name badge, which is found on the hood, trunk lid, and steering wheel.
Kia Optima Hybrid Photo Gallery:
