Along with the new Soul Electric Vehicle, Kia Motors also revealed a new version of its Optima Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show to reinforce their green initiative in America. The new Optima Hybrid comes with revised styling, improved efficiency, and as is the case with every new Korean car, more features than before.

On the styling front, the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid benefit from updated front and rear fascia that not only look nicer, also work better aerodynamic-wise by increasing airflow and reducing drag. There is also new, lighter, and more aerodynamic 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, and a revised grille design.

This version of the Optima also gets Hybrid-exclusive front LED lighting and premium leather package inside. The interior is in fact packed with upscale and high-tech amenities, including a 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen, featuring UVO eServices, an 8-speaker Infinity sound system, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Traffic.

Kia Optima Hybrid has a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

The powertrain has not changes in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, and you still get the same petrol-electric system with 199 horsepower and combined 235 lb.-ft. of torque which does 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined. It has, however, been optimized for better refinement and smoothness.