Kia has taken the covers off two new plug-in hybrid production models at the 2017 Geneva motor show, with the dual-powered Optima Sportswagon and Niro set to bring greater efficiency and practicality to the PHEV fraternity.

The Kia Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid teams a 156 Hp/189 Nm naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ four-cylinder GDI (gasoline direct injection) petrol engine, with an 11.26kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 50kW/205Nm electric motor.


With Kia targeting a ‘provisional’ pure-electric range of “more than 61km” at speeds up to 120 km/h, the South Korean brand says, combined, the Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid’s total outputs are 205 Hp of power (at 6000 rpm) and 375 Nm of torque (from 2330 rpm).

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 1740 kg Sportswagon PHEV claims 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, a top speed of 192 km/h, and combined-cycle fuel economy of 1.5 litres per 100km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).


Said to help extend battery range and reduce unnecessary load, the hybrid wagon features regenerative braking, as well as an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that isolates only the driver, while shutting off ventilation to other areas when not required.

As with the Optima plug-in hybrid sedan, the Optima Sportswagon PHEV also comes standard with more aero-friendly bumpers, side skirts, and wheels, model-specific chrome exterior highlights and ‘ECO plug-in’ badging, new driver instrument displays, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are all optional.


Employing a 104 Hp/147 Nm naturally aspirated 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder GDI (gasoline direct injection) petrol engine, an 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, and a 44.5kW/170Nm electric motor, the 2017 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is targeting a 55km pure-electric driving range, along with combined-cycle emissions of sub-30g/km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Touting total outputs of 141 Hp of power and 265 Nm of torque, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic-equipped plug-in compact crossover is also claimed to be able to hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 10.8 seconds (0.7 seconds quicker than the standard hybrid Niro) and onto a top speed of 172k m/h. The Niro PHEV too employs regenerative braking technology to improve battery range, however, it also features two additional systems.


Depending on final market specifications, the Niro PHEV will come equipped with a new satin-chrome grille surround, unique chrome and metallic-blue exterior accents, ‘Eco Plug-in’ badging, low wind resistance 16-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights. As in the Optima Sportswagon PHEV, the Niro plug-in hybrid’s battery pack is located beneath the boot floor, helping the small SUV offer 324 litres of boot capacity.

Niro PHEV cabins are highlighted by blue stitching and trim accents, a new 7.0-inch TFT driver instrument cluster, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.


Kia says a driver attention warning, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are all available to Niro PHEV buyers, while adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert will be optional, along with a tow pack – the latter providing the compact SUV with a 1300 kg braked towing capacity.

Both the Kia Optima Sportswagon plug-in hybrid and Kia Niro plug-in hybrid are due to go on sale in Europe from the third quarter of 2017.