Unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show last week, the European-market version will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, alongside the first ever Optima Sportwagon and Niro hybrid crossover.

The 201bhp drivetrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor, the latter powered by a mains-rechargeable 9.8kWh battery offering a range of up to 33 miles and 166mpg on the NEDC for plug-in hybrids.

With CO2 emissions of 37g/km, the Optima will be eligible for the £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant in the UK, as well as 100% Writing Down Allowance and 7% Benefit in Kind banding at launch.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “Hybrid sales have more than doubled in Europe over the last five years, and are estimated to account for around 700,000 new car sales in Europe by 2020.

“The Optima Plug-in Hybrid will allow Kia to address the growing demand for low-emissions vehicles, and support us in our mission to hit our global 2020 target: to improve average fleet fuel efficiency by 25% over 2014 levels.”