New Kia Optima midsize sedan

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All-new midsize Kia Optima gets significantly larger
While the compact Forte reveals its new 5-door body

New Kia Optima (front)

All-new Optima: longer, wider and lower than its predecessor.

19 April 2010 - Following its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show (2 to 11 April), the all-new Kia Optima midsize sedan is expected in North American showrooms and other non-European markets in the final quarter of 2010, before reaching Europe next spring.

Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt Germany and Irvine, California (Kia is part of the South Korean Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group), the all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform.

Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, a design motif that visually lowers the car further. The roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to the sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin grant the sedan its muscular stance.

Platform

New Kia Optima (rear)

New Optima: a wheelbase of 2795mm (+75mm).

The new Optima has an overall length of 4845 mm (190.7 inches), an increase of 45 mm over the previous model, with an overall width of 1830 mm (72.0 inches) and wheelbase of 2795 mm (110.0 inches), an increase of 75 mm. The low ground clearance of 135 mm (5.3 inches) enhances aerodynamics.

The lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to augment structural rigidity while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement.


All-new Kia Optima Specifications

Overall Length	4845 mm (190.7 in.)
Wheelbase	2795mm (110.0 in.)
Width	1830 mm (72.0 in.)
Height	1455 mm (57.3 in.)

Engines, North America
2.4-litre GDI four-cylinder	203 ps*
2.0-l GDI turbo 4-cylinder	278 ps*
2.4-l hybrid	Early 2011 availability.

Engines, Europe
2.0-l CVVL (gasoline)	To be announced.
1.7-l VGT (diesel)	To be announced

Engines, other markets
2.0-l MPI	165 ps*
2.4-l MPI	178 ps*
2.4-l GDI four-cylinder	201 ps* (Australia).

Transmission	- 6-speed Manual - 6-speed Automatic + Sportmatic shifting

Wheels	16-, 17- or 18-inch

Tires	205/65R16 P215/55R17 225/45R18

* Preliminary figures. Source: Kia Motors Corporation

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs and front anti-roll bars.

The all-new Optima standard features will include dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires.

Depending on the trim level, other equipment add standard / optional fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/ body-colour door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/55/R17 tires.

Higher trim levels add HID headlights with auto levelling, LED rear combination lights, specific 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 P225/45R18 tires.

Interior

Inside, the instrument panel is contoured toward the driver. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel are standard on automatic versions outside North America. A high console with a short shifter adds to the sporty feel while the optional panoramic sunroof brings a more open-air feel.

A high console with a short shifter adds to the sporty feel.

Standard features include a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer. Other features include a standard AM/ FM/ CD/ MP3/ Sat audio system - with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities in North America with three months complimentary service.

Also available are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks to connect MP3 players, in addition to Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones, a feature which is standard in North America.

Comfort and convenience features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat facilitates multiple seating and cargo arrangements.

Voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen.

Automatic transmission-equipped Optima, in markets outside North America, feature cruise control (standard in the U.S. on SX trim only) and Kia’s Active Eco System indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving (known as EcoMinder in North America).

Other optional features include push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way power driver’s seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps and chrome door handles.

In North America, options include a Microsoft infotainment system, rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass.

Depending on the trim level, Optima also offers optional black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal accent, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, centre fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.

60/40 split-folding seats: practical seating/cargo distribution.

Available upgrades include a power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Luxury features include, for North America, an Infinity 5.1 surround sound audio system with HD Radio and for Europe and other markets, a Dimension audio system, each with eight speakers.

For North America and Europe, a voice-activated navigation system is optionally available with a seven-inch screen.

Engines

The new Optima will be available with three all-new Theta II powerplants, a 2.4-litre GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-litre GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-litre hybrid.

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The 2.4-litre GDI (gasoline / petrol is directly injected in each cylinder) engine produces 203 PS (all power figures are preliminary) and upgrading to the optional 2.0-litre turbo GDI engine boosts output to 278 PS, while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is Kia’s first application of GDI technology.

The 2.4-litre hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011.

For Europe, there will be a 2.0-litre CVVL engine along with a 1.7-litre VGT diesel unit..

Outside Europe and North America, Optima offers a 2.0-litre MPI engine (multi-point injection into a common port where fuel is mixed with air before the mixture continues to the cylinders) producing 165 PS and a 2.4-litre MPI engine producing 178 PS, while Australia will also receive the 2.4-litre GDI engine.

All transmissions on the new Optima, both manual and automatic, have six speeds while all automatics feature Sportmatic clutchless shifting.

Safety

The new Optima safety features include six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), 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, optional in North America and Europe, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) are standard or optional depending on markets.

5-door Forte

New Kia Forte (Cerato) 5-door body (front)

New Kia Forte (Cerato) 5-door body (rear).

Forte 5-door with the practicality of the rear door.

The five-door Forte (known as the Cerato in some markets) also made its world premiere in New York, joining the 4-door sedan version of the compact (C segment, lower medium category) model, and the Forte Koup coupe.

Forte five-door introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, centre console, paddle shifters, push-button start (already available in Forte line-up outside of North America) and navigation (available in North America only) in addition to the practicality of its fifth door.

Depending on countries, Forte five-door is available with three gasoline (petrol) engines – 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre – and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. North American consumers will have a choice of the 2.0- and 2.4-litre engines while customers outside of North America will be able to choose from the 1.6- and 2.0-litre powerplants.

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