Ready to hear about Kia’s UVO infotainment technology? Click here for part two to explore UVO, hybrid performance, Optima’s safety record and a trim level summary.
Why is UVO a Bargain?
At $5,000, how can Kia’s UVO infotainment system be such a bargain? This means a fully-loaded 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid fully loaded with the “technology package” brings this mid-sized sedan to a whopping $31,500.
Actually, $31,500 for a top-of-the-line sedan with the latest and best infotainment is a real bargain in the luxury hybrid sedan market. (Also, remember a panoramic sun roof and tons of other luxury features are included in the $5,000 option.)
So far, Kia and Ford (and Fiat) are the only car makers to offer the world’s best infotainment platforms: Microsoft Embed 7 and Nuance.
Microsoft’s platform, which is upgradeable, integrates the entire system and brings instant information such as new digital music upgrades and turn-by-turn navigation with live traffic feeds into the car at the press of a button and a voice command or two.
Nuance runs the voice recognition technology. As perhaps the most advanced voice technology company in the world, this collaboration between Microsoft and Nuance is the best in-car infotainment technology for now.
In my weekly road tests, I have tried all of the Optima Hybrid’s competitors and their infotainment systems. Although other car makers are catching up fast, Ford and Kia have a better system in my opinion.
What about the Optima being Kia’s first hybrid? Does Kia’s new electric-gas motor ally stand up against competition from Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and even Lincoln or Lexus? Read on here about my performance impressions.
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid: Performance
So, everything looks and feels good and maybe even more than good about the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid, right? Now, is Kia going to get the performance right on its first-ever hybrid vehicle?
Thankfully for those who are seeking an eco-friendly sedan without sacrificing performance, you may have found your driving nirvana.
Kia’s 2.4-liter gas engine, which is paired with an electric motor, really does kick some serious road booty. Especially at fast speeds, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has some lightning-fast speeds for highway and freeway driving.
My normally non-plussed husband was very happy about his real-world fuel economy test. A working actor, he drives around 80 miles round trip to LA for auditions. On such a trip in the 2011 Kia Optima, hubby says he paid only $10 for the trip as compared to $20 in a comparative combustion engine sedan.
Around town, I was also impressed with the Optima Hybrid’s smooth touring ride. Press the brake, push the start button on the dash, put in gear and the Optima Hybrid roars to life and rolls around at slow speeds very quietly.
The gas engine kicks in around 20 mph, which is a bit disappointing for this electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast and expert. Still, the gas, emissions and overall carbon footprint reductions are sizeable when added throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.
Why buy an all-gas vehicle these days when you can put your money where your heart is and go green? The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid really is a good way to show your Mother Earth love and respect.
And like Mother Nature, the 2011 Kia Optima’s new hybrid engine can feel like there’s a swift-moving hurricane under your feet with extra electric propulsion. What’s not to love about the instant power of electric drive fused with a gas motor?
All other driving dynamics on the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid make this a fun-to-drive sedan. The tight suspension gives the Optima a smooth ride. I thought the steering could be a bit more playful, but I loved the responsive handling, fun-through-curves torque and spot-on braking.
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Safety & Crash Test Ratings
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid comes with loads of standard advanced safety features, including six air bags, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and hill assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2011 Kia Optima (the hybrid version was not rated separately) its hard-to-get “Top Safety Pick.”
Are you sold on Optima Hybrid yet? Check the Summary below for all the features as well as pricing, trim levels and option packages.
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid: Summary
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is a five-passenger, mid-sized sedan that comes in one trim level: Hybrid.
With a base MSRP of $26,500, the 2011 Optima Hybrid comes standard with a long list of features found on the fully-loaded Optima LX A/T trim level, including eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, dual zone automatic climate control (with rear vents), push button start, smart key, digital meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, fixed rear seats with ski pass through,
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle to offer the company’s UVO auto infotainment system. Available as a pricey $5,000 “technology package” option, this system added to the car is being called Hybrid “Premium” by auto insiders.
One reason for the steep option price is the panoramic sun roof. Other luxury-minded features in this option package include an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-way power adjustable front driver’s seat, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, HID head lamps and leatherette-wrapped center fascia.
The “technology package” also features Kia’s new UVO infotainment system. This hands-free technology powers audio, Bluetooth connectivity and the industry’s best integrated navigation, digital music and traffic so far as it is powered by Microsoft Embed 7 and Nuance (makers of Dragon Naturally Speaking). The only other car manufacturer with this system is Ford (and Lincoln).
Altogether, the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid “Premium” brings together the best of what is happening in today’s car world: the best of everything at a great price.
Is the 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid a bargain? If you are ready to ditch the label or move up to an affordable luxury hybrid, then this sexy and sport sedan may be the most obvious choice for those who want to drive a fast car, enjoy a luxurious ride, save money at the pump and help Mother Earth all at the same time.
Kia provided a vehicle for this review.
Sheryll Alexander - Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer, automotive journalist and professional road test reviewer based in Costa Mesa, CA.
