Kia Optima Hybrid for 2014

Kia unveiled the 2014 edition of its Optima Hybrid sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The main changes to the car are cosmetic and serve primarily to improve the aerodynamics for optimum fuel efficiency.

Among the modifications we find:
- Redesigned bumpers to lower the drag coefficient of the car
- The front fascia receives a new grille
- LED daytime running lights
- New alloy wheels in either 16 or 17 inches

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The interior is adorned with higher quality leather seats, a nine-speaker Infiniti audio system as well as the UVO infotainment system.

The Same Internals

This is not the first year for the Optima Hybrid and most of the technology remains the same. The gasoline motor is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder which is combined with an electric motor that draws its energy from a lithium-polymer battery.

A six-speed automatic transmission is standard and the total power delivered by the hybrid powertrain is 199 horses with 235 lb-ft of torque.

Combined fuel consumption of the large sedan is 7.4 L/100 km.