2011 Kia Optima Review

Kia Motors Corporation celebrated the world premiere of its all-new Kia Optima D-segment saloon at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

Arriving in Kia showrooms across the UK in 2011, the Optima continues Kia's design-led transformation, while revealing a completely new and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. Kia's new saloon will be called 'K5' in Korea and 'Optima' in all other markets.

Designed at Kia's studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the all-new Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the Magentis it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allows for distinctive dimensions and proportions, while also providing a unique canvas for Kia's global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in its segment.

"The Kia Optima is a new strand in Kia's evolving design DNA with a blend of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes that draw the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fine Italian suit," commented Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corporation.

"From the distinctive sweeping chrome accent that stretches through the C-pillars to the sleek greenhouse and flared wheel arches, every inch of the Kia Optima projects a distinguished and refined style and extreme attention to detail," adds Schreyer.

The all-new Optima's smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European-style luxury. Kia Optima's groundbreaking spirit will continue under the bonnet with the introduction of new powertrains, which deliver class-leading power with highly competitive fuel economy - and employ engine management systems such as direct injection, multi-point injection and turbo charging to help bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Kia's first-ever hybrid car, a new version of Kia Optima, for the North American market, will be available in 2011.

 Exterior

The all-new Kia Optima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors' philosophy of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The striking face of Optima features Kia's bold signature grille that is flanked by projector headlamps.

Kia Optima's coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A- to the C-pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Kia Optima's roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its sculpted flanks and the extended (2795 mm) wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a steeply sloping rear window create a saloon with a graceful muscular stance.

The all-new Optima will offer numerous standard exterior features including dual exhausts, solar glass and indicators on the wing mirrors. Depending on the trim level, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, exterior chrome or body-colour door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres will also be available.

Higher trim levels add HID headlights with auto levelling, LED rear lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with 225/45 R18 tyres - achieving a true performance look.

 Interior

2011 Kia Optima Steering wheel

Inside, all-new Kia Optima creates an immediate sense that this is a driver's car. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel, with precise gauges and controls for an overall sporty performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel (standard on automatic versions outside North America) convey that Kia Optima is built for people who are passionate about driving their cars. A high console with a short shifter adds to the cockpit ambience, while an optional glass panoramic sunroof will provide an open-air feeling.

Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard convenience features, the saloon's chic cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design. Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer will further expand the cabin's luxurious qualities.

2011 Kia Optima Clutch Sysrem

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features will also come standard throughout, including a high quality 'Dimension' audio system with AM/FM/CD and MP3 compatibility with eight speakers. Auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls will feature, according to the market.

Interior comfort and convenience will be enhanced with available features that include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers a versatile cargo capacity. Automatic transmission-equipped Kia Optima cars (in markets outside North America), will feature cruise control and Kia's 'Active Eco System' indicator to assist with fuel efficient driving.

Other available premium features will include push-button start with smart key, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way powered driver's seat, illuminated glove box, rear reading lamps and chrome door handles.

Depending on the trim level, Kia Optima will also offer unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal accents, a supervision instrument cluster with LCD display, centre fascia and gauges, soft trim with French seams, alloy foot pedals and illuminated door scuff plates.

Available upgrades will also include a powered panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver's seat and a heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.

For Europe and North America, a voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen, will combine with the audio system functions to enhance the cabin for audiophiles or those who seek the latest superior quality technology for a modern driving experience.

All-New Advanced Platform

2011 Kia Optima Front

The Kia Optima is built on an all-new platform. Optima's low, lean and powerful stance is enhanced by its overall length of 4845 mm - an increase of 45 mm over the previous model - overall width of 1830 mm and wheelbase of 2795 mm, an increase of 75 mm, and has a low ground clearance for enhanced aerodynamics and reduced drag, boosting fuel efficiency.

Kia Optima's lightweight bodyshell design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength, while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the Optima.

Kia Optima employs unitary construction with sub-frames to support the fully independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout at the rear, with separate coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear, and a front anti-roll bar to ensure responsive handling and provide excellent ride comfort.

Class-Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines

2011 Kia Optima Engine

For Western Europe, the new Kia Optima will be available with a choice of 2.0-litre CVVL petrol and 1.7-litre VGT turbo-diesel engines. In Russia and some Eastern European markets it will be offered with a 2.4-litre MPI petrol engine producing 178 ps. All transmissions for the new Kia Optima, both manual and automatic, will have six speeds. Outside Europe, Kia Optima will be available with six all-new Theta II family engines (depending on market), with Kia's first application of GDI technology and up to 278 ps of power.

Safety

2011 Kia Optima Seats and Dashboard

In line with Kia's safety engineering philosophy, the all-new Optima will have a high level of safety features as standard. Equipment includes six airbags (dual front airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and, available in both Europe and North America, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Safety driving systems on the Kia Optima will include anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) - depending on market.