Living With Kia Optima PHEV

In case you’ve not been following our weekly updates on our long term test - I recommend heading to our website (see link on next page) to play catch up. In short, the Optima PHEV, or Optima Prime as we call it, has proved an excellent and capable machine to live with.

 

It has surprised us on many levels. Its equipment list is second to none, its electric drive is rewarding and it’s been returning more than 99.9mpg consistently throughout our time with it.

Since having Optima Prime on long term test, it’s purpose has been - quite simply - to replace my daily driver. And it has done this remarkably well. To date, I’ve not yet had to visit the petrol forecourt to fill her up, thanks to its highly usable 30-mile range. While other plug-in hybrids fib about their range, thanks to bizarre NEDC test results, I feel sorry for Kia who’s NEDC electric range for the Optima PHEV is uncannily accurate.

It’s a small wonder other manufacturers are able to get away with this, while Kia happily accepts what the NEDC verdict says and gets on with things.

Nonetheless, I’m keen to point out that my average weekly journeys may not be quite as ‘average’ as most, with a low mileage of just 12-miles per day.

Needless to say, some longer journeys are in order and - thankfully - I’m pleased to report that the Kia hasn’t disappointed in this regard either. First of all, a 100-mile round trip up the M1 at motorway speed to Milton Keynes and back via Bedford and the A1 before heading along the old A1 through Hitchin and Codicote.