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Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of driving the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. This was my first time driving a hybrid and I have to admit I am impressed. Kia is a relative new comer to the American Auto market, selling their first vehicle the Sephia in 1994. Kia began in South Korea in 1944 as a steel tube and bicycle part manufacturer. Since then there have been many milesontes in the Kia brand, most importantly for use the American auto market was when they first got inot the Americna market in 1994. Kia has since then started plants in the US and has sold more then 4 million vehicles to date.
The Kia Optima Hybrid is a very interesting vehicle. This car is a hybrid which means it runs on gasoline and electric. In doing this breaking, coasting etc help ‘fuel’ the batteries which in turn help use less gas. This leads to a much better fuel economy when compared to other vehicles. The Optima Hybrid has a highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, while a comparable none hybrid model gets about 34. This may not seem like that much of a difference but in actuality it is quite huge. Take a look at wonderful chart comparing vehicles to the Optima Hybrid.
Saving Money With a Hybrid Car
While driving around the lovely state of Florida in a hire car that was a gasoline only vehicle, during a week of driving and sight seeing we spent easily $125. During the most recent trip, I used approximately $50 worth of gas. Very big difference indeed. I am not a car person but the Optima Hybrid has a 2.4 L 4 cylinder, full parallel engine and 40 hp 6 speed sportomatic overdrive transmission. What does all this mean? Honestly I am not really sure. When actually driving it though I have to say it could zip around like the rest.
Never did it feel any different then my car back home, never a hint of hesitation or sluggishness. After driving this car I could definitely see getting a hybrid as our next vehicle and a Kia hybrid, by the name of Optima to be exact. In regard to the rest of the vehicle it has all the safety you would expect from a new car including side curtain air bags and 3 point front and back passenger seat belts and of course the anchors for children’s car seats. Also I hope you take a look at the warranty being offered with the Optima Hybrid when compared to other vehicles and take note of how much better it is then most. Kia’s hybrid saved us a lot of money and was fun to drive.
Hi Samantha!
I rode in my first Kia in 1997 – it was a terrible car back then! I am constantly amazed at how far Kia has come in such a short amount of time. They went from a car you couldn’t pay me to take home to a brand I drool over every chance I get!
What I wouldn’t give to travel across our beautiful state on $50! You don’t want to know how much gas my SUV took to go from Central Florida to the Keys this past spring – Yikes! I need a Kia Hybrid.
Great pictures- more beautiful Kia pics to drool over 🙂
Happy travels,
Victoria
I have not driven a Kia yet but I have heard such great things! You sold me with that gas mileage though! My goodness, that is a nice hunk of change when the week is through. Thanks for the review!
I love the KIA cars! I haven’t yet tried the Optima Hybrid, but it will definitely be on my list now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Kias totally ROCK! I want the Kia Sorrento!!! Nice review!
I can’t wait to test drive a Kia. The gas mileage alone is enough to make me sing. I am running out of limbs to give the gas station every time I fill up!