First look: Kia bares new Optima

KIA has revealed its next-generation Optima flagship sedan ahead of its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.

The final entry in the Korean manufacturer’s rejuvenated passenger car rollout that began in July 2004 with the Cerato small car, the new Optima will go on sale here in mid-2006.

While Kia’s all-new Rio light car is launched in Australia next week, the new Optima will arrive around the same time as the second-generation Carnival goes on sale in both short-body and 11-seater Grand Carnival guises.

According to Kia Australia officials, the 2006 Melbourne Motor Show’s switch from March to February means it is unlikely to make its Australian debut until the Brisbane show, which will be held in March next year.

Almost certain to remain a V6-only sedan model, Australia’s next Optima (known as Magentis in Europe) is likely to continue exclusively with a 2.7-litre V6, though it will also be available with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in other markets.

Longer, wider, higher and riding on an extended 2720mm wheelbase, the new Optima is claimed to deliver a more spacious interior and a larger boot. It measures 4735mm long, 1805mm wide and 1480mm tall.

Kia claims active and passive safety levels are also enhanced, with standard equipment to include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, active front head restraints and front, side and curtain airbags.

"Through hard work and dedication, we have totally transformed our product range in recent years," said Kia Motors Corporation senior executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Yong-Hwan Kim.

"Starting with the Sorento 4x4, followed by the Picanto small car, the Cerato, the Sportage compact SUV and most recently the new Rio, we have demonstrated Kia’s determination to deliver a modern, highly competitive range of cars with immense customer appeal.

"With every new Kia model we have also demonstrated the growing ‘Power to Surprise’ of our developing global brand."

According to Australian Kia importer and distributor Ateco Automotive, its increased size, specification and positioning mean the new Optima is likely to be priced higher than the current model.

Kia’s first Optima arrived here in May 2001, featuring a 127kW/229Nm 2.7-litre V6. Facelifted in April 2004, the car received a performance boost to 132kW/245Nm, extra safety features, a manual-mode four-speed auto and a reduced ($26,950) pricetag.

Despite competing in the high-volume large-car segment in Australia, Optima has failed to make an impact on its Australian-made competitors. Kia sold just 25 Optimas in July – to be outsold by all in its class except for Holden’s Vectra V6 – and has notched up 855 Optima sales so far in 2005.

Commanding just 0.9 per cent of Australia’s large-car segment, Optima ranks ahead of both Mitsubishi’s Verada and parent company Hyundai’s Sonata V6 – which was in run-out until the fifth-generation Sonata arrived here in June – on year-to-date terms.