Kia Optima replaces Credos

KIA'S slow-selling Credos will make way for an all-new flagship sedan - dubbed Optima - early next year.

It is possible the newcomer - based on the same underpinnings as the Hyundai Sonata - will make its first local appearance at the Sydney motor show in November.

While the Credos comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, the Optima will be powered by essentially the same 2.5-litre V6 used in the Sonata. This unit generates 127kW and 230Nm.

These figures represent a useful improvement on the Credos's outputs of 98kW and 171Nm.

It is believed Kia is opting for the switch to V6 power in view of the diminished demand for medium-sized four-cylinder cars.

Most buyers who previously opted for mid-size fours are now choosing either smaller cars - such as the Nissan Pulsar and Toyota Corolla - or family-sized V6s. It is likely Kia will price the Optima in line with the outgoing Credos ($22,500), in keeping with its policy of offering more car for the money than its rivals.

Coincidentally, the Hyundai Sonata - currently priced from $23,470 - will be its nearest rival. Other V6 contenders cost at least $3000 more.

Kia notched up 5603 sales in 1999 - compared with 5047 the year before - but the Credos accounted for only 365 of these.

It is likely the better looking and more refined Optima will strengthen Kia's presence in the medium-car segment.

Kia's line-up was bolstered earlier this month by the Rio and Carens, and the product onslaught is expected to continue over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, Kia Australia spokesman Edward Rowe said the onset of post-GST pricing had not yet led to the widely anticipated surge in new car sales.

"People are still waiting to see how much is in their pay cheques and how much they have left after paying for the groceries," he said.

Mr Rowe said there had been a lot of interest in the Rio from prospective buyers, but this was yet to translate into significant sales volumes.

The Carens compact people-mover has also prompted many inquiries but Mr Rowe suggests its segment will not really gather steam until the introduction of other contenders, including the seven-seat Holden Zafira which is due next year.