Whether you get anywhere near the Kia Optima Sportswagon‘s official combined fuel economy figure of 201.8mpg will depend largely on how often you are able to recharge the car’s batteries.

As one of the cars chosen for our economy test, the Kia achieved a disappointing 16.3mpg with the battery full at the start, and 14.7mpg on a second run with the battery partially drained.

Not a great performace, and although legally approved to tow up to 1500kg, the Optima PHEV isn’t a car that feels comfortable with a caravan behind it.

The Al-Ko ATC system picked up some sway from the tourer when slowing from high speeds, and the car failed to complete the second of three planned attempts at the emergency lane-change test.

We also had trouble with the back of the car sitting low to the ground once ballasted and hitched up to a caravan, so much so the car bottomed out on some sections of the track.

The stopping distance of 12.4 metres from 30mph was another disappointment, especially as the track was bone dry at the time.

The hill start showed the Kia in a better light, towing to the top of the 1-in-6 slope without fuss.

As estate cars go, the Optima Sportswagon’s boot capacity of 440 litres is on the small side, and we’d prefer the car to come with more towing-friendly features like a trailer stability system.

For company drivers with a short commute and easy access to regular recharging, we can see the appeal of the Optima PHEV. But there are no shortage of better cars for regular towing.