CHICAGO MOTOR SHOW: Kia lifts the wraps off Optima Hybrid

Kia is claiming a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption for the new Optima Hybrid, revealed overnight at the Chicago motor show.

The new model scores the updated design and new driver-assist technology of the conventional Optima models, but migrates to a 2.0-litre direction-injection petrol four-cylinder in lieu of the previous Optima Hybrid's 2.4-litre engine. Featuring an electric water pump and electric oil pump to save fuel, the 113kW engine in the new Optima Hybrid drives through a six-speed automatic transmission and is coupled to a 38kW electric motor and clutch pack rather than a torque converter.

According to Kia, the petrol engine and electric motor combined produce 144kW. Electrical storage to run the motor is by means of a lithium-polymer battery boasting 13 more capacity – now 1.62kWh. The battery is located beneath the boot floor, leaving more boot space and passenger compartment volume free. Unlike the previous Optima Hybrid, the new model comes with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

A new feature of the Optima Hybrid is Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System), which incorporates a Coasting Guide to inform the driver when and where to coast or brake, through a blinking light in the instrument panel and an audible alert.

To save fuel, the Optima Hybrid, with a drag coefficient of 0.24Cd, comes with an active grille that opens and closes to ensure the needs of engine cooling can be balanced against smoother airflow at higher speeds. Other detail changes to distinguish the hybrid from conventional Optima variants include a front air dam, a bevelled rear bumper, a rear diffuser designed that shrouds the exhaust tip, and an aerodynamic alloy-wheel design.

Inside, the Optima offers LED lighting, satin-finish decorative trim and 'EcoHybrid' badging. Comfort and convenience are enhanced with power boot release from the key fob, wireless phone charging, Surround View Monitoring, smartphone-enabled navigation, UVO3, Android Auto, Apply CarPlay and an upgraded navigation system with Harman/Kardon 10-speaker audio system.

Advanced driving features fitted as standard include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Front Collision Warning System (FCWS).

The Optima Hybrid, if it does come to Australia, won't be arriving any time soon, by the sounds of it.

Kevin Hepworth, General Manager for Media and Corporate Communications at Kia Australia, has told motoring.com.au that Kia might go with the Niro SUV concept unveiled at the same venue.

"Whether our first hybrid is the Niro or Optima hybrid is up for discussion," Hepworth said. "All the same issues surrounding government subsidies and consumer demand for hybrids here still exist. So we won’t be rushing into that decision."