Kia Optima Hybrid Stands Out Against Others in it’s Class…

My husband and I have chatted a time or two about the possibilities of a hybrid car. My husband has a small commute, but with a V8 truck engine our gas bill is a bit hefty. We’ve considered trading the truck in for a smaller car. Now that I’ve seen and read about the Kia Optima…. hmmmm, maybe?

Smartly priced starting at $26,500 the Kia Optima stands out against others in it’s class..

The new Kia Optima Hybrid is Kia motors first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. It is stylish, affordable and fuel efficient. I have always been a bit baffled, though, as to how hybrid vehicles actually work.

Kia has heard our questions and made an Infographic on how hybrid cars work.

They’ve also designed a video series about design, technology, value and battery. We have all been taught how great hybrids are for the earth… now we know why!

You’ll also want to head over to the Kia Optima Facebook page to interact with the Urban Myth Busters app.

Still need a little more clarification? This video is a great way to see exactly how a hybrid battery works.

 2011 Optima Hybrid Delivers 40 MPG on the Highway
with a Starting MSRP of $26,5002

Kia’s first hybrid combines class-leading fuel economy3 with advanced technology, efficiency and design Optima Hybrid is first vehicle to offer Kia’s UVO powered by Microsoft®4 hands-free infotainment and communications system. With a stunning design, roomy interior, class-leading fuel efficiency and a starting price of $26,500, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) first hybrid vehicle in the U.S. – will attract those looking for a stylish and well-appointed sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency. Set to hit showrooms in June5 , the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations, including advanced lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem, to deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

The Optima Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle to offer the company’s proprietary UVO powered by Microsoft® hands-free, voice-activated infotainment and communications system which is paired with the AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system and features a rear-view camera, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service6, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players7 and Bluetooth®8 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls. Based on Windows Embedded Auto Software, UVO is an easy-to-use hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Optima Hybrid is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags11 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

The 2011 Optima Hybrid is covered by KMA’s warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

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Do you own a hybrid? What have your experiences been with it? How has your gas bill been effected? and lastly… when they break down, are they expensive to fix? Let me know!

This promotional sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own.