Tested: Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

“What kind of car is that?” No matter where we are with the Björn Hellgardt photographed Kia Optima 2.0 GDI PHEV also appeared – this question from passers-by was driver and model Marcel von Lipp safe every time.

This is of course due to the novelty of the electric petrol engine. But also to the light blue light influences that surround the car discreetly but quite conspicuously on the radiator grille and the door sills - and provide the indication that this is a (half) electric car.

The Optima in its shiny white looks like it's on its way to the casting of the next part of "Back to the Future". It stands out visually from its competitors like the VW Passat. The overall design is very appealing and quite classy, ​​so you can easily drive the Kia up to a trendy beach club or a high-class event.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

The accessories worn by Prada, Hugo Boss and Zara also look good in the shoot. But it's not just about the look. Concepts like this plug-in hybrid are currently in demand on the automobile market.

This means buyers can put their green conscience at ease without having to constantly worry about the battery draining and the range of the electric motor. And how does charging work? It's very simple. There are two different cables in the trunk. One for the socket at home or in the office, another for public charging stations.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

After five hours (socket) or three hours (charging station), the electric motor is fully charged again. When driving, it supports the 2,0-liter gasoline engine, so that consumption levels off at just over two liters, especially in city traffic at reasonable speeds.

However, if you really step on the gas, for example on the motorway, the four-cylinder engine, which weighs over 1,7 tonnes, consumes fuel like a conventional petrol engine. The top speed is 192 km/h, and the 6-speed automatic shifts through the gears as smoothly as butter.

Together, the electric-petrol combo has an output of 205 hp and 375 Newton metres of torque, which is also ideal for quick sprints from traffic lights. The petrol and electric power reserves can be read on two different displays.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

The equipment is very extensive, which is almost to be expected at a price of just over 40.000 euros. It has all the little helpers that are standard in this segment. These include assistants for distance and emergency braking as well as lane keeping, automatic high beam, rain sensor and traffic sign recognition.

The large navigation screen is an eye-catcher for passengers. And great praise is due to the Harman Kardon sound system, which is perfectly tailored to the interior of the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid. Your ears are really pampered with clear, hard bass or gentle string interludes.

Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid

Anyone interested in a plug-in hybrid can consider the Kia Optima 2.0 GDI PHEV if they want to stand out from the crowd. The visual appearance, the entire interior, the ultra-comfortable seats and the workmanship are the highlights of this modern vehicle.

After the shooting and the recurring questions from passers-by, the Kia had its greeting for the remaining days with us: Hey, you model...

Thanks to: @bjoernhellgardt (#Photographer) @marcelvonlipp (#Model) #Kia #Prada #HugoBoss #Zara

Photos: Björn Hellgardt