$4.19.
That is how much a gallon of gas cost me over the weekend. Every time I spend nearly $70 to fill up my sedan’s tank, I cringe and dream of a car that gets more than 20 miles to the gallon.
Two weeks ago, I was invited to hang with Kia at the LPGA Kia Classic, a women’s professional golf tournament on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. The tournament was held at the La Costa Resort and Spa which I felt was a completely idyllic setting. Having never attended a golf tournament, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The game is quiet…focused…precise…graceful. The tour is prestigious, bringing together some of the best women’s professional golfers in the world. I felt myself really getting into the game, and only wished I had more knowledge of the game and familiarity with the players.
Kia Motors is the title sponsor of the tournament, and as you can imagine, their vehicles were sprinkled throughout the course. In addition to attending the tournament, I had an opportunity to test drive the brand new 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. I’ll admit that prior to the weekend, I had very little knowledge about the brand so I did a bit of research. While the sedan has been in existence since 2000, the Hybrid model only just came out in 2011.
The combination of a tough economy and rising gas prices will continue to drive Hybrid vehicle sales. What’s highly appealing about the Kia Optima Hybrid is the fact that it gets 35 MPG with city driving and 40 MPG on the highway. A hybrid vehicle, by definition, simply means a vehicle that uses more than one power source. In the case of the Kia Optima Hybrid, the manufacturers have combined a 2.4 liter engine with a six speed automatic transmission, an electric motor, and lightweight lithium polymer batteries. The result is a complete gasoline-electric hybrid that doesn’t require charging.
As a mom, my top priority when purchasing a vehicle is safety. The Kia Optima Hybrid received the NHTSA 5 Star Crash Safety Rating and is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick. In addition to a strong safety profile, I look for a vehicle that offers modern conveniences…little luxuries that make the everyday drive pleasant and manageable. Some of my favorite luxury features of the mid-sized sedan include SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth technology (for hands-free communication), touch screen navigation, rear camera display, and a push button start.
Here is a quick video detailing the new Kia Optima Hybrid:
The Kia Optima Hybrid starts at $25,700. For more information, just visit the website.
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to the Kia Classic and provided a vehicle loan as well as accommodations and meals.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Thank goodness they are making cars more efficient. Back when I was in HS I could fill up my car for less than $20. But it also got around 16 mpg! My caliber now costs around 30+ to fill and gets 25 mpg. I have my eye on the Terrain now which gets over 30 mpg – I know the tank is bigger so it will suck to fill up, but it is double the fuel efficiency of my first car. Do as long as cr manufacturers continue with this trend, buying gas will stillve painful- but the time between fill ups will be less.
It looks fantastic. Man am I ready to ditch the minivan.
We are in the market for a new car. We definitely need to pay attention to gas mileage. I am going to forward this to the hubs..
I can’t imagine NOT owning a hybrid, ever again. Well, that or one of those little tine cars, but at this point I need at least a sedan-sized car. The money we pour into the gas tank doesn’t end up in the pockets of anybody doing nice things for the planet.
I spend $140 a tank, but I could never be able to go back to a car until all the kiddos are in college. 🙂
This looks super nice!! I too cringe every time I spend $75 to fill up our Pathfinder =(
Nice going on the video, you seem like a natural!