Kia Optima PHEV (2016) review (Month 1)

Last year Kia joined a small band of manufacturers to introduce what could be a practical alternative to diesel with a plug-in hybrid version of its Optima model.

For dealers this is good news as it could potentially extend the appeal of Kia’s D-segment saloon and therefore present conquest opportunities. We’ve taken delivery of an Optima PHEV to see how it performs over the coming months in the real world.

This is Kia’s first PHEV model with the brand expecting it to appeal to company car user-choosers who will find themselves paying just 7% benefit-in-kind taxation thanks to its emissions of just 37g/km. Furthermore, its claimed fuel economy figure suggests returns of 176.6mpg in optimum conditions.

It also has a roomy cabin and a high standard specification. Combine these assets and this Optima should provide dealers with an opportunity to sell into their local SMEs.

We collected our test car from Beadles Kia Coulsdon whose first rate handover included a much needed overview of the PHEV’s unique characteristics. Ostensibly the PHEV looks like any other Optima aside from its blue-tinted headlights, ECOplug-in badges and tell-tale recharging point located on the front nearside wing.

But what’s it like to drive? Anyone familiar with hybrids will instantly be at home behind the wheel of the Optima. For first timers it will be a revelation. In hybrid mode the car’s onboard systems determine whether it’s powered by the petrol engine or electric motor, although the driver soon becomes aware that it’s all down to throttle control. Take it nice and gently and you’re in electric mode, dip the accelerator and the engine kicks in.

What differentiates the PHEV is the plug-in facility whereby part of the battery pack can only be charged via mains electricity. This provides a 33 mile range and enables the driver to select an EV only mode which will only revert to hybrid power when the charge is low. The ideal test for this is our 26 mile daily commute. The best we’ve managed so far is 20 miles before the system automatically switched to hybrid mode.

However, we believe with a more sedate driving style and less use of onboard electrics we should be able to squeeze more range from its battery. Hopefully over the coming months with milder weather and lighter evenings this should be achievable.

For drivers who like a challenge, the Optima PHEV’s technology makes for an engaging and rewarding driving experience. We suspect the coming months will be challenging but entertaining.

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