Sales of hybrid-powered cars and trucks continued to climb in August, reaching 3 percent of total U.S. sales for the month. It was the highest level for hybrids since April.
The Kia Optima Hybrid came my way recently.
Cruising 50 miles toward the office of Dr. Thomas Pott, DDS, way out west in Lakewood, the Optima Hybrid averaged close to 40 miles per gallon. It will do that under certain driving conditions; it makes sense when, at 60 miles per hour, I note that the tachometer needle is sitting on 0 as the sedan quietly runs on the electric motor.
Around town, though, with some heavier use of the gasoline engine to meet acceleration demands and to climb the hills, I averaged a somewhat disappointing 29 mpg; the regular, gas-engined Optima often will match that. EPA estimate is 35/40 mpg.
The hybrid powertrain of the ’12 Optima is made up of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine connected to an electric motor and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A lithium-polymer battery is used to power the electric motor.
Acceleration is strong, though the hybrid powertrain gives a shudder or slight jerk occasionally in transition from gasoline to electric power.
Sleek exterior styling and a roomy interior lend the Optima an attraction among midsize sedans.
Dual vents at the rear of the center console do a good job of directing cool air flow toward the rear-seat passengers. The heated rear seats are roomy and fairly comfortable; there is plenty of road noise, though.
The Optima’s sticker price totaled $32,820 with the addition of navigation, rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, leather seats and heated steering wheel.
The Optima ranked 12th among approximately 30 hybrid cars being offered last month.
Hybrid sales totaled 38,369 for August, compared with 21,177 for the same month a year ago. Led by the Prius models, Toyota and Lexus hybrids accounted for 73 percent of the sales.
Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
