Kia Optima PHEV (2016) review (Month 4)

People who have driven an electric car will talk about three things in particular. They generally marvel at the instant delivery of torque and eerie quietness whilst voicing concerns about range.

The number of EVs on the market has increased dramatically in recent years, as have their real world ranges which typically fall somewhere between 100 and 200 miles. So, ideal for short journeys around town but insufficient for anything long haul.

That’s why Kia dealers had every reason to be happy to start selling the Optima PHEV saloon, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model. Launched last year it combines the driving dynamics of an EV with the range of a frugal 2.0-litre petrol-engined car.

We’ve been running one since February and over the course of over 4,000 miles have learnt how to get the most out of its plug-in hybrid potential.

For starters it’s worth ignoring the unhelpful official claimed combined fuel consumption of 176.6mpg, achieved on a rolling road under the archaic NEDC test which favours short hop electric journeys. This is something customers need to be made aware of before purchasing otherwise they’ll be in for a disappointment.

That’s not to say it is not frugal. A regular home charge, which takes around five hours and adds a range of 30 or so miles, sees us average around 51mpg. Our best tank full to date delivered an impressive 590 miles. So, diesel rivalling economy in a petrol-electric hybrid.

While a big hybrid saloon may not tick every new car buyer’s boxes for practicality, especially as the battery pack reduces the size of the boot, it does make perfect sense for high mileage company car drivers thanks to its benefit-in-kind tax friendly emission rating of just 37g/km which earns it an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) classification.

Aside from its green credentials the Optima is also an extremely well-appointed car with plenty of top-end touches from the door mirrors that unfold when they sense the key to the driver’s seat which automatically slides back at the beginning and end of journeys. There’s also the top notch Harman Kardon sound system, complete with sub-woofer, wireless phone charger, energy-efficient driver-only heating function and premium car levels of space for rear passengers. However, the workmanlike interior design is more functional than luxurious.

The Optima PHEV makes for a cost-effective and credible alternative to diesel power which should see Kia dealers having some meaningful conversations with local fleet customers.

Click here for Month 1 review
Click here for Month 2 review
Click here for Month 3 review