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Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut

Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept revealed ahead of Paris debut It looks like Kia is ready to push the start button on a new range of mild hybrids with the reveal of the Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept ahead of its debut later this week at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The new mild hybrid powertrain isn’t going to make an enormous difference to power or economy, but in a world where taxation gets based on official CO2 figures it will make the Optima more appealing to company car buyers. The Optima hybrid gets the normal 1.7 litre diesel engine and adds a small electric motor powered by a 48V lead-carbon battery which will be enough for short running at low speeds on electric power alone or allow some electric ‘cruising’ on motorways.

Ford B-Max at 2012 Geneva motor show

Ford has today opened up its new B-Max, literally. The new B-Max is almost a wanton show-off next to the Fusion that it replaces. It's a mini-MPV with sliding rear doors, a bit like those on the ill-fated Peugeot 1007.

Audi A4 (2012): the revised saloon, Avant and Allroad

It’s an impressive feat when a manufacturer releases five new models in a single day, and that’s what Audi’s managed to do. Or has it? By clever manipulation of its naming strategy, five new cars turns out to be a mid-life refresh of its popular A4 range and all its variants.