Optima Plug-in arrives at Findlay Kia

Kia Motors America played a big part in revolutionizing the automobile industry several years ago, with a new warranty and a product that would become bullet-proof in the business. With the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on basic coverage, Kia drew attention and buyers at the same time.

Kia is again drawing great interest from industry observers and everyday drivers with the introduction of the 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid, now available at Findlay Kia at 5325 W. Sahara Ave. In this case, the Optima plug-in has a 29-mile, electric-only range that breaks down to 103 miles per gallon when used in electric-only mode.

According to dealership sales consultant Pontus Hellsten, the Optima gets 38 mpg city and 43 highway with 40 mpg combined engine and electric power.

“It doesn’t look like a hybrid that people envision either,” said Hellsten, a 40-year-old veteran of the car business. “You also have great safety features such as blind spot detection, forward collision warning system, autonomous braking, advanced smart cruise control, lane departure warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.”

Hellsten also said a conventional six-speed transmission is unique for hybrids because most other hybrids have a continuously variable transmission that is loud with a droning sound that many customers do not like.

“There is a much quieter transition in the gear changes of the ’17 Optima Hybrid, ” Hellsten said. “This is definitely a benefit as opposed to the CVTs used in most hybrids.”

Findlay Kia took delivery of the new Optima in the middle of January, according to Hellsten.

“The new Optima hybrid received immediate attention, and we didn’t even have it on the showroom yet,” he said. “It retains the beautiful styling of the gas-powered Optima, but gives you the gas mileage of a hybrid.

“This is the first plug-in hybrid model available in the Optima.”

Hellsten said the EX model includes leather seats, dual powered seats, rear-view camera along with the safety features. The vehicle has a starting price from about the mid-$20,000s.

Headed by General Manager Byron Klemaske, Findlay Kia is part of Findlay Automotive Group founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now oversees 28 automobile dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Oregon.

Further information regarding Findlay Kia can be found by calling 702-252-8900 or by visiting findlaykia.com.