Kia Sorento Hybrid Confirmed

The Optima PHEV's total system output will be rated at 205 hp at 6,000 rpm.

The auto will feature a downsized hybrid powertrain, pairing Kia's 1.6-litre "Kappa" gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine (77kW power output and 147 Nm of torque) with a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and 32 kW electric motor. The Optima PHEV will offer a seamless blend of highly-efficient electric and internal combustion power, and a consistently high level of performance.

Sporting a compact SUV shape, the car's designers highlight the most modern architectural designs and contemporary sculptural art as key inspirations behind the new HUV's body.

Inside the PHEV receives a unique instrument cluster that can deliver information about the vehicle's drive mode and charge status, while a charge indicator on the top of the dash give an at-a-glance indication of the vehicle's charge progress from inside or outside the vehicle.

The Optima PHEV is based on the standard vehicle - which has been overhauled for 2015 - but combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 50kW electric motor to produce a combined 199bhp at 6000rpm. This "Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device" (TMED) replaces the conventional torque converter and permits both hybrid and pure EV operation. Rounding out the package is a new integrated power control unit and a lithium-ion-polymer battery pack which can store 1.56kWh of charge.

In fact, this Niro sketch - which previews a production model expected to debut in early 2016 - looks more akin to a Qashqai than a Juke. A number of exterior elements - on the rear bumper, grille surround and wheel arches - feature chrome and a clean metallic blue finish, as well as special "EcoHybrid" and "EcoPlugin" badging.

There is no confirmation of pricing for the Kia Optima PHEV yet.

Kia has announced plans to introduce a purpose-built low-emission vehicle.

The best-selling example of a plug-in hybrid (or any electrified car) in Britain is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

It's unconfirmed as yet whether the Optima Hybrid will be available in right-hand drive markets this time, but Kia has said the new version will target a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The vehicle would be built in Korea, and its body would be made with more than 50% ultra-high strength steel, which would help keep weight down in addition to reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

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