Kia has branded its new mid-size sedan the Optima at its world debut in New York.
Scheduled for local launch late this year, the new model further enhances Kia’s reputation for excellent styling. The newcomer was jointly developed at the company’s styling studios in Europe (Frankfurt, Germany) and North America (Irvine, California).
Kia Australia says the Optima will replace the ageing Magentis in the local lineup.
Australian versions will be powered by either a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.4-litre hybrid engine – Kia’s first – will become available globally from 2011.
Specification levels for the Optima sound impressive with six airbags, active head-restraints, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Ssystem (TPMS), ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hills Assist Control (HAC) all standard.
Optima is 4845mm long and rides on a 2795mm wheelbase with MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension.
The Optimas displayed in New York featured high-grade interiors with lots of leather and carbon-fibro look trims, rear-view cameras and alloy pedals.
On the outside, the new Optima continues the great work of Kia’s styling team under the direction of German Peter Schreyer. The sweeping looks, high shoulder line, sculptured flanks and bold wheel arch flares are right up to the minute in contemporary design and certainly give the Optima a distinctive look.
The model grades in New York ran 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch wheels.
It will be interesting to see if Kia Australia can keep the pricing of the all-new Optima models around the same as the Magneta’s current sub-$25,000 starting point.
