Kia Optima busts hybrid car myths

December 2011

Korean car manufacturer Kia has set out to demystify some myths regarding the latest hybrid car technology.

Price, reliability, speed and luxury were all reasons highlighted by the marque as to why car buyers may be put off by hybrid and electric models.

The cost of not only purchasing but also running a car is a concern for anyone looking to buy a new car - however not only is the Kia Optima Hybrid priced at around $40,000, but it also features a battery designed to last for 10 years.

Kia suggests that the "plug-in power" days of hybrids are over, as the car recharges as you drive, converting kinetic energy into electricity for storage in the battery pack.

According to Colin Jang, editor of Kia's corporate blog BUZZ, the Kia Optima Hybrid also "has the same powerful, sleek look as the conventional hybrid".

Additional features available for the Kia Optima Hybrid - which was named the 2011 ECOcar Magazine Car Of The Year - include a panoramic sunroof, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats and a navigation system with back-up camera.

Most importantly, Kia points out that the eco-friendliness trend in the car industry is here to stay, with the marque stating predictions of 3.4 million hybrid and electric car sales before 2016.