Kia Optima T-Hybrid Diesel Bound For Paris Motor Show

Kia will showcase a new technology concept at next month’s Paris Motor Show, in the form of the Optima T-Hybrid.

Following the lead of carmakers like Mercedes-Benz and PSA Peugeot Citroen, Kia’s new hybrid system will pair an electric motor with a diesel engine.

For now, hybrid options in the Optima range are limited to a petrol-electric setup, available in overseas markets (but not Australia).

In its petrol-electric form, the Optima Hybrid offers a combined 150kW and 318Nm of torque, with fuel economy listed at 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle.

Kia is keeping mum on the figures we can expect from the new T-Hybrid diesel concept, although it is has confirmed it will feature the 100kW 1.7 litre engine already available with the Optima in some markets.

The company claims it is targeting an overall power increase of 15 to 20 percent over the diesel engine’s outputs.

The T-Hybrid is also expected to remain a concept for some time, with the company confirming it has no production plans in place.

(Pictured above: the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid.)

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