Topic: Kia Developing Dedicated Hybrid Model

[Autos_Editor]

New model will take on Toyota Prius with bespoke platform

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[Noto]

This isn't the first time Kia's done this; together with Hyundai, it released the Optima (and Sonata) hybrids later than the competition to see what some like and what others don't.

I think it's a risky, but often a worthwhile strategy.  The benefit is that they read the reviews and criticisms: "I dislike the split rear-glass window.  That centre-mounted dashboard?  yuck!  Handles like a boat.  Kind of loud." etc. (not my criticisms, but what I remember reading online elsewhere)

The nice thing is, it'll be more C-Max than Prius.  It'll likely be inexpensive (relatively speaking) and focus on being sporty/decent handling (like the Rio/Forte SX models).

Thanks for the news, Mark! 

[Ex-airbalancer]

 a plug in Hybrid with 100 km range  I would be interested, if not I will be passing on this model

[Noto]

I guess you're passing then.  Since none of the competition has 100km of range, I would not anticipate it happening here.  I think 40-60km is the target, with a focus on low cost of entry and sporting pretensions.

[MarkStevenson]

I guess you're passing then.  Since none of the competition has 100km of range, I would not anticipate it happening here.  I think 40-60km is the target, with a focus on low cost of entry and sporting pretensions.

Even 40-60 km is a high target I think. My guess would be closer to 30 km, but we will see.

[EV Dan]

I guess you're passing then.  Since none of the competition has 100km of range, I would not anticipate it happening here.  I think 40-60km is the target, with a focus on low cost of entry and sporting pretensions.

Even 40-60 km is a high target I think. My guess would be closer to 30 km, but we will see.

I don't see any mention of a plug in the article.
As for regular hybrid their success will depend on the tranny IMO. If they get into that "planetary" business, then coupled with cheap(er) Korean Li-ion batteries there may be a Prius competitor.

[Ex-airbalancer]

I guess you're passing then.  Since none of the competition has 100km of range, I would not anticipate it happening here.  I think 40-60km is the target, with a focus on low cost of entry and sporting pretensions.

if it does not have kind of range, then there is no  point in getting rid of the Prius

[Noto]

I guess you're passing then.  Since none of the competition has 100km of range, I would not anticipate it happening here.  I think 40-60km is the target, with a focus on low cost of entry and sporting pretensions.

Even 40-60 km is a high target I think. My guess would be closer to 30 km, but we will see.

I don't see any mention of a plug in the article.
As for regular hybrid their success will depend on the tranny IMO. If they get into that "planetary" business, then coupled with cheap(er) Korean Li-ion batteries there may be a Prius competitor.

Remember that the Optima/Sonata hybrid used the 6-speed auto, being one of the first to do so instead of using the CVT.  I think it's a fair assumption that it'll retain a 6er, but maybe 7 speeds.  I think Toyota's power-split device is still the best thing out there - love it with the RX400h.

Yeah, at 30km range, it had better be <$24,000 with gov't rebate otherwise this will be DOA.  The Prius plug-in is $35k...taking it to $27k after rebate and will hold resale far better than a Korean brand ever could.

...but you're right, I don't know if this will be a plug-in or a regular hybrid.  I think making a Prius c competitor is probably the better route.

[WRX_Pilot]

Golf sized sounds just about perfect, not too small, not too big, and I have no doubt they'll aim to compete on price by shaving a couple thousand off what a Prius starts at.

[EV-Light]

their current crop of hybrids isn't the best out there....and they ask the same amount of $$$ compared to the competition. I don't have high hopes...

[Noto]

I don't have high hopes for pricing, but am expecting the offering to be decent.

I see quite a few Sonata hybrids around the GTA.