The Optima plug-in hybrid will launch from this summer, powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor, the latter supplied by a 9.8kWh mains-rechargeable battery pack located under the boot floor and rear seats. This means the rear bench folds flat, and boot space isn’t as heavily compromised as it was in the old Optima Hybrid.

Kia has yet to reveal fuel economy figures, but has said it’s targeting a 43km electric range and 5.9l/100km with the battery depleted. Charging takes three hours on a dedicated point, and the neater packaging of the battery could also mean it’s available in the forthcoming Optima Sportwagon, which will be available in Europe later this year.

The new Optima Hybrid will only be available in left-hand drive markets, as its predecessor was. It benefits from the same improvements in packaging and also uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, but with a much smaller capacity battery and less powerful electric motor.

The Niro also arrives from this summer using a dedicated eco-car platform shared with Hyundai’s forthcoming Ioniq, which will be available with plug-in hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, the former also confirmed for Kia’s model.

Its wheelbase is slightly longer than the Soul’s, and the battery is located underneath the rear seats to avoid compromising interior space. Driving the front wheels is a new Atkinson Cycle 1.6-litre petrol engine, augmented by an electric motor and paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. This produces a combined 146hp, with CO2 emissions of 89g/km – equating to around 6.01/100km on the combined cycle.