Kia Optima ready for local release
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21st January, 2011
The new generation Kia Optima (formerly known as the
Magentis in Australia) made its world premiere at the New York Motor Show in April 2010 and now
it's about to arrive in local Kia dealerships. It is a completely new design of Kia's mid-size
sedan. It is absolutely transformed, embodying a bold and yet sophisticated visual energy.
Under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the Kia design teams have now
came up with a third-generation Optima that brings a new level of sophistication and refinement
into the Kia product line-up. Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new
Optima features a significantly longer wheelbase (up by 75 mm) and will offer much more space for
people and cargo.
“With the all-new Optima, Kia’s global design team has created a vehicle with distinctive
dimensions and proportions that stands apart from everything else in its segment,” Kia Motors
Australia President and CEO Mr M.K. Kim explained. “Using an all-new platform and an all-new
body shell, Optima moves our mid-size sedan product up to the next level of Kia’s design
revolution.”
“In keeping with our commitment to deliver not only style but substance, the new Optima has
also been optimised locally by the Kia Motors Australia product planning team to ensure driver
satisfaction.”
While meeting all of the performance, styling and sophistication criteria demanded by the
Australian market, the new Optima continues to deliver Kia’s cornerstone value with a MLP* of
$36,990* (excluding the various statutory charges and dealer delivery fees).
Kia’s product concept behind the making of new Optima had focused on four key areas. Stand-out
styling – a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior; class-leading performance –
down-sized but more efficient engines with six-speed transmissions; superior packaging – new,
longer wheelbase platform; advanced features – high-tech options to boost Optima’s status and
Kia’s brand identity.
The sedan which resulted from this product concept has been instantly embraced. Launched on
the domestic Korean market in May 2010, new Optima was an instant ‘hit’ with monthly sales
exceeding 10,000 units in June and July to claim the No. 1 family sedan position for Kia for
the very first time.
New Optima is significantly sleeker than the previous model, with an aerodynamic drag figure
of Cd 0.29 (down from 0.32) – enhancing refinement, performance and fuel economy.
Sophisticated engine and transmission
The new Optima is powered by a 2.4-litre Theta II unit with GDI (gasoline direct injection).
The introduction of GDI technology, which represents the biggest advance in fuel injection
technology since the 1980s, allows Kia to achieve three previously incompatible goals –
lowering emissions and improving fuel economy, while also increasing the power and torque
outputs to 148 kW @ 6,300 rpm and 250 Nm @ 4,250 rpm respectively.
The new ‘Theta II’ engine features numerous design enhancements over its predecessor, with
a two-stage variable induction system (VIS), Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT),
upgraded electronics and low-friction components, while also featuring lighter
construction.
The Optima comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission which offers two
operating modes – fully automatic (ideal for city driving) or ‘Sport’ which allows for
clutch-less manual sequential gear changes for greater driver involvement – using either the
centre console selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted ‘shift paddles’.
Enhanced standard features
The new Optima comes packed with a long list of premium features including smart key with
push button start, anti-theft immobiliser, leather trim with wood-look interior, heated 4-way
power front passenger seat and heated and ventilated 8-way power driver’s seat with a
2-position memory, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, 7-function trip
computer, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, alloy sports pedals and cooling glove
box.
Interior comfort is maintained by dual-zone automatic climate-control air-conditioning with
floor console mounted rear air vents. The seven-speaker MP3 compatible CD player, AM/FM radio
sound system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity is operated by steering wheel mounted
controls.
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Exterior features include panoramic electric sunroof, window tinting, dusk sensing HID type
front headlamps with washer, body coloured sport bumpers, door handles and outside electric
door mirrors (heated) and LED daytime running lights (DRL).
New Kia Optima presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art active and passive safety
systems and equipment as standard. Available ‘active’ safety technologies to help Optima
drivers avoid potential accident situations include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS
(Traction Control System), BAS (Brake Assist System) and a new system – HAC (Hillstart Assist
Control).
A new rear-view camera is fitted to assist drivers during reversing manoeuvres. The camera
uses a wide-angle lens to transmit images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view
mirror. Simultaneously this system enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind
spot immediately behind the car.
Appealing to existing and new Optima customers
All Australian bound Optimas will be supplied from Kia’s Hwasung factory in Korea and will
be available in seven exterior colours: Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Ebony Black, Platinum
Graphite, Satin Metal, Santorini Blue and Spicy Red.
The first-generation Optima/Magentis was introduced in 2001 and the second, which marked a
huge step forward for Kia, in 2006. Over the next four years, it attracted thousands of
customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia, and achieved global sales of more
than 110,000 units in 2009.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous
statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice.
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