Kia’s new cee’d and Sportage also earn accreditation.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Aug 15, 2012
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid – $25,700 to start and a 35/40 mpgUS city/highway rating here in the US.
The brand's first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. was designed for consumers looking for a stylish and well-appointed sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency.
Currently available in two configurations with possibly more to come in 2013, the 2012 is offered as a base or with an advanced Hybrid Premium and Technology Package.
Hybrid Powertrain
All 2012 Optima Hybrid models feature a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with an Atkinsonized 166 HP 2.4L I4 connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque up to 1,400 rpm (in full-electric mode only). The advanced powertrain is mated to an efficient six-speed AT.
To power the electric motor, the Optima Hybrid uses a state-of-the-art, air-cooled LG Chem based 270V lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery. At only 95 pounds, the battery system is extremely durable with warranty coverage extending out to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Kia’s latest environmental award(s)
Kia was recently awarded new ISO eco-credentials for three of its newest models by TÜV Nord, an independent European technical inspection organization based in northern Germany.
Along with the Kia Optima Hybrid, the recently released and award winning all-new European cee’d C-segment hatch and the refreshed Sorento CUV have been certified environmentally friendly according to the ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) metrics.
The LCA inspection examines the environmental impact of both the car and its overall manufacturing process throughout the course of its lifetime, taking into account choice of materials, engine exhaust emissions and recycling.
From the initial stages of product development, Kia applies eco-friendly processes with the aim of incurring the least impact on the environment. Kia’s new product development process includes the following five major steps that cover the development, production, repair and disposal phases of all Kia vehicles.
- Application of an eco-friendly check-sheet throughout entire vehicle lifecycle
- Utilization of 3D drawings at the design stage for verifying recyclability
- Breakdown of the product during the development process to verify recyclability
- Usage of eco-friendly materials
- Streamlining of manufacturing process through improvements in materials and parts design simplification
According to Kia, this new product development program has resulted in an improved overall manufacturing process in terms of minimizing the environmental footprint.
This year’s ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certifications were based on the confirmation of a 6-25% decrease in CO2 emissions in the overall manufacturing process for the Optima Hybrid, all-new cee’d and upgraded Sorento.
While the Optima Hybrid is not offered in many European countries that I can tell after perusing both the UK and German consumer sites, it is great to see the Optima Hybrid recognized for more than just its beautiful form, great fuel economy potential and reasonable upfront price
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