2013 Kia Optima Hybrid Gets More Torque, Better Mileage, Another Trim Level ... - Car and Driver (blog)
Kia has whipped up a small batch of changes for its mid-size Optima hybrid for 2013, which improve the car’s fuel efficiency and broaden its price appeal. the four-cylinder engine actually loses some output, dropping from 166 horsepower to 159. The gas engine’s peak torque is unchanged at 154 lb-ft, and the new electric motor makes the same 151 lb-ft of twist as last year’s. The lithium-polymer battery pack has more capacity than before while taking up less trunk space, and contributes to a boost in overall torque—235 lb-ft from 195. combined horsepower drops by 7 to 199. The net result is an improvement from 34 mpg... Regardless, the Optima’s efficiency, at least as rated by the EPA, is significantly off of the segment-leading Ford Fusion hybrid , although the LX beats the Toyota Camry hybrid on the highway. First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Instrumented Test: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid First Drive: 2014 Kia Forte Sedan As for pricing, the 2013 Optima hybrid LX starts at $26,675, just $125 more than last year’s single EX model, while the up-level... Source: blog.caranddriver.com
