(May 10, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia has announced that its  2011 Kia Optima Hybrid will start at $26,500 well equipped. It's Kia's first hybrid vehicle in the U.S.

Set to hit showrooms on June 5, the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations, including advanced lithium polymer batteries from LG Chem, to deliver up to 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Optima uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Although Kia did not release horsepower figures today, it's expected to have a 169-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 40-horsepower electric motor. Total combined output is expected to be 209 horsepower.

The Optima Hybrid has an extensive list of standard convenience features as found on the well-equipped Optima LX A/T trim such as eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, one-touch automatic up/down on front windows, rear reading lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. 

The Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), standard on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

The Optima Hybrid can be purchased with the Hybrid Premium Technology Package, priced at $5,000, which will bring such features as panoramic sunroof, unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.