I have to admit – up until recently I have been a car snob, only looking into cars that had a long time reputation for reliability and durability. In the end I paid top dollar for a car that I could have very easily paid a lot less for, had I decided to get a Kia. Just recently I told my husband that my next car WILL be a Kia because of all they have to offer and their amazing prices. He offered to take me car shopping, but that’s just plain unfair! I have a two year old car that is barely paid off, and finding a BETTER car with more features would just be a tease.
I live in NYC and when I was working in Long Island I started thinking about getting a car that was more fuel efficient. At the time I purchased my latest car, I was pregnant and wanted a small SUV, but went for the one that I found to be the most fuel efficient. I was also jaded by Hybrid Myths and didn’t know too much about Hybrid cars to make that leap at the time. While my choice was great for me at the time, I know that in the near future when I return to work, I will have to find a better car since I will have to travel, no matter where I end up.
Since we are on the topic of Kia cars, I thought this would be a great place to start highlighting what I have learned about their Hybrid cars. The Kia Optima has a that is very futuristic. Since Hybrid is the way we are headed, I can see most cars will look like this in the future. Do you know how ? There is so much information on the Kia site, you are sure to be enlightened by all this great information if you didn’t already know! Kia makes it easy to understand what is going on under your hood!
Check out this video:
Here is a little more info on the Kia 2011 Optima Hybrid:
Delivers 40 MPG on the Highway
with a Starting MSRP of $26,5002
Kia’s first hybrid combines class-leading fuel economy3 with advanced technology, efficiency and design
Optima Hybrid is first vehicle to offer Kia’s UVO powered by Microsoft®4 hands-free infotainment and communications system
With a stunning design, roomy interior, class-leading fuel efficiency and a starting price of $26,500, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. – will attract those looking for a stylish and well-appointed sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency. Set to hit showrooms in June5 , the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations, including advanced lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem, to deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Kia Motors America’s first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. will begin arriving in showrooms in June with a starting price of $26,500.
“Since arriving in showrooms in late 2010, the all-new Optima’s combination of stylish design, upscale features and remarkable safety have attracted new customers to the Kia brand, and with gas prices continuing to rise the arrival of our first hybrid model will continue our unprecedented growth and momentum,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “With a starting price under $27,000, the Optima Hybrid provides fuel-conscious shoppers with an outstanding value proposition by being priced below nearly all midsize hybrid competitors and delivering class-leading fuel economy along with head-turning style and advanced technologies.”
The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.
In addition to offering consumers class-leading fuel economy, the 2011 Optima Hybrid also delivers high levels of style, comfort and refinement. Available in two configurations, all Optima Hybrids offer several unique features, including front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, headlamp design, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills and LED tail lamp design.
Priced at $26,500, the Optima Hybrid adds to the extensive list of standard convenience features and stylish appointments found on the well-equipped Optima LX A/T trim with features such as: eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key, SupervisionTM meter cluster with LCD display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one-touch automatic up/down on front windows, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. The Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), standard on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.
The Optima Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle to offer the company’s proprietary UVO powered by Microsoft® hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system which is paired with the AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system and features a rear-view camera, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service6, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players7 and Bluetooth®8 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls. Based on Windows Embedded Auto Software, UVO is an easy-to-use hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.
Consumers who select the Optima Hybrid with the available Hybrid Premium Technology Package, priced at $5,000, will enjoy additional comfort and convenience features, including: panoramic sunroof, unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomelinkTM and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS TrafficTM9 , and an eight-speaker Infinity®10 audio system (these available features replace the UVO system).
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Optima Hybrid is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags11 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.
The 2011 Optima Hybrid is covered by KMA’s warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.
Disclosure: This promotional sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own.