The New Kia Optima Makes its European Debut

The striking new Kia Optima is making its European debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The bold and dynamically-styled D-segment saloon made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April this year.

Kia Optima is an all-new car from the ground up.  Longer, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase than any previous D-segment offering from Kia, it embodies what Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.

Launched in the Korean market earlier this year, the new Optima was an instant hit, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units in June and July to claim the ‘best seller’ position for Kia for the very first time.

The Kia Optima’s specification will be tailored to European tastes, with buyers offered a choice of either petrol or diesel engines – both with performance and economy figures among the very best in class.

The engine line-up will comprise either a new highly-efficient ‘U2’ 1.7-liter VGT diesel engine which produces 136 ps and promises best-in-class emissions (113 g/km when fitted with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG Start/Stop system) or an all-new technically-advanced ‘Nu’ 2.0-liter CVVL (continuously variable valve lift) gasoline engine producing 170 ps.

In the interests of increasing fuel efficiency, Kia’s engineers employed various technologies in developing the Nu powerplant, including a two-stage variable induction system, an electronic throttle body and an off-set crank.

In all markets, the all-new Kia Optima will be offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The high, pronounced shoulder line, sculpted flanks and boldly flared wheel arches create a saloon with a graceful, muscular stance.  Kia Optima’s coupe-like profile enhances the feeling of dynamism whilst also delivering improvements in aerodynamic efficiency.  With a coefficient of drag figure of 0.29 – down from 0.32 for the previous generation model - refinement, performance and fuel economy are all enhanced.

A special ‘Sport Package’ including a unique front mesh grille, new front and rear bumpers, sculpted side sills, rear ‘lip type’ spoiler, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps, aero-blade windscreen wipers, plus high performance dampers, larger disc brakes with black callipers and machine-finished 18-inch, 10-spoke, flush-faced, alloy wheels will be available.

The new model will also offer a dynamic and responsive driving experience, combined with a high standard specification and a range of optional high-tech features usually associated with premium brand vehicles.

As with all Kia models sold in Europe, the newcomer will be offered to consumers with the manufacturer’s unique 7-Year / 100,000 mile warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners.