Kia Optima

Kia Optima

Manufacturer	Hyundai (2000–2005) Kia Motors (2005–present)
Production	2000–present
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea
Predecessor	Kia Credos
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front wheel-drive

The Kia Optima is a mid-size four-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze & Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States and Malaysia where the Optima name was retained. The Optima name is now going to be used for all markets except China, where they will use the South Korean market name.

First generation (MS; 2000–2005)

First generation (MS)

Also called	Kia Magentis (Europe) Kia Optima Regal (KDM Facelift)
Production	2000–2005
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu, China[citation needed] Kaliningrad, Russia[1]
Engine	2.4 L Sirius II I4, 149 hp 2.5 L Delta V6 2.7 L Delta V6, 138 kW (185 hp)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (110 in)
Length	4,745 mm (186.8 in)
Width	2000–2005:1,815 mm (71.5 in) 2002–2005:1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,420 mm (56 in)
Related	Hyundai Sonata (EF) Hyundai Santa Fe (SM) Hyundai Trajet

From 2000-2005 Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing only from the Sonata in minor exterior styling details and equipment content.

In 2010, Subaru started a viral marketing campaign using a 2001-2002 Kia Optima dressed up as the "2011 Mediocrity", in order to "promote" a generic mid-size car with nothing special about it. It is being used in comparison to Subaru's real mid-size offering, the Subaru Legacy.^[2][3][4] All of the Kia badges were removed from the "2011 Mediocrity".

Update

The 2002 Optima received a minor update. The Optima Regal was a luxurious version of Kia Optima sold in South Korea. American models did not wear the Kia logo on the grille, but the Kia logo was used in the grille for Canada. The grille was redesigned for the United States in 2003 (2004 model year) to feature the Kia badge, and the headlamps were restyled for 2004 (2005 model year).

Total U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2000	97
2001	25,912
2002	26,793
2003	34,681
2004	53,492
2005	41,349
2006	38,408

• 

  2003 Kia Optima (US)

• 

  2003 Kia Magentis (Canada)

• 

  2005–2006 Kia Optima (US)

Second generation (MG; 2005–2010)

Second generation (MG)

Also called	Kia Magentis (Europe, Canada, Australia, Brazil) Kia Lotze (South Korea) Kia Lotze Advance (KDM Model Year) Kia Lotze Innovation (KDM Facelift)
Production	2005–2010
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Kaliningrad, Russia[5]
Engine	2.0L Beta II 145 hp (108 kW) I4 petrol 2.4L Theta II 175 hp (130 kW) I4 petrol 2.7L Mu V6 194 hp (145 kW) petrol 2.0L CRDI VGT 140 hp (104 kW) I4 diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107 in)
Length	2005–2008: 4,755 mm (187.2 in) 2008–2010:4,810 mm (189 in)
Width	1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58 in)
Related	Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Grandeur/Azera Kia Carens/Rondo

The second generation Optima, known as the Kia Magentis globally except the United States and Malaysia, and as the Kia Lotze in South Korea, was launched in South Korea in November 2005. This generation differed further from the Hyundai Sonata donor vehicle than the previous model. Unlike the previous Optima though, this vehicle uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG". The car continues to be built in South Korea and shares its 2.4 litre inline-four engine, five-speed Sportmatic automatic or five-speed manual transmission with the Sonata.

The Optima received a crash test rating of five stars from the NHTSA,^[6] and four stars from EuroNCAP.^[7]

Update

2010 Kia Optima SX (US)

The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year). This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps. The design of the updated Optima was penned under the guidance of Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief design officer, and also former chief designer for Audi and Volkswagen. In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to approximate 4,800 millimetres (190 in) long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised.^[8] Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In certain markets, the option of satellite navigation is offered.

The new Theta II 2.4 litre inline-four engine employs dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to increase power to 131 kilowatts (176 hp) while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. Torque is rated at 229 newton metres (169 ft·lbf) there is 2.0L for other markets middle east etc. a 2.0L 4cyl with 5 manual or 4 automatic gearbox with power 164 hp (122 kW) at 6200 rpm and 197 N·m (145 lb·ft) torque takes it from 0–100 km/h(0-60 mph) in 9.2sec for manual and 10.1 for auto with top speed up to 208 km/h (129 mph) outside the US. The 2.7 litre V6 has few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to 144 kilowatts (193 hp), and torque to 249 newton metres (184 ft·lbf) with standard 5speed automatic takes it from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.9sec with top speed up to 220 km/h (137 mph). A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, and a five-speed automatic is included with mid- and high-end levels (or as an option in the base model).

2010 models see the addition of a Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and paddle shifters on SX models.

Third generation (TF; 2011)

Third generation (TF)

Also called	Kia K5 (South Korea, China, Indonesia)
Production	2010-present
Assembly	West Point, Georgia, USA[9] Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto)
Engine	2.0 L Theta II I4 2.0 L Theta II I4 (turbo) 2.4 L Theta II I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Length	4,845 mm (190.7 in)
Width	1,835 mm (72.2 in)
Height	1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Related	Hyundai Sonata (YF)

The completely redesigned Optima, named the Kia K5 in the South Korean market, made its world debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It features a much sleeker, sportier profile designed by new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and upcoming Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer. Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously.

2011 Kia Optima EX (US)

As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a universal GDI 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is only standard on the LX model. Sales began in Fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on April 29, 2010.

The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment include a slew of advanced safety features such as ESC and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates.

Kia K5 taxi in Korea

A Hybrid model is predicted to arrive in June 2011 and a Turbo model has already been released. In addition, a wagon version will hit European markets, and two-door coupe version may arrive in the U.S. at a later date.^[10] The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. ^[11] The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb·ft (365 N·m) of torque in the North American model.^[12] The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg_-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg_-imp) on the highway.^[13]

Engines

Model	Engine type	Power, torque@rpm	Note
Petrol engines
2.0 MPI	1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 Theta II	165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp), 20.2 kg·m (198 N·m; 146 ft·lbf)	Europe
2.4 MPI	2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II	180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), 20.2 kg·m (198 N·m; 146 ft·lbf)	Europe
2.0L Turbo	1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 turbo Theta II	274 hp (204 kW; 278 PS)@6000, 269 lbf·ft (365 N·m)@1750	North America
2.4L GDI	2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II	200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS)@6300, 186 lbf·ft (252 N·m)@1750	North America, Australia

Source:^[14][13]

Hybrid version

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid (US)

The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and was launched in the market in 2011. The Optima Hybrid uses the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 30kW electric motor and lightweight lithium polymer batteries to produce a full gasoline-electric hybrid with an estimated 37 miles per US gallon (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_-imp) city and 39 miles per US gallon (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg_-imp) highway.^[15] There are no apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima except for a badge, different wheel discs and special Light Platinum Graphite paint color.

See also

• Hyundai Sonata

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kia Magentis or Kia Optima

1. ^ "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили KIA". Avtotor.ru. http://www.avtotor.ru/kia/. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
2. ^ "Mediocrity | The New 2011 Mediocrity Sedan". Subaru.com. http://www.subaru.com/content/static/fightmediocrity/index.html. Retrieved 2010-10-30. 
3. ^ Bowman, Zach (2010-10-05). "Subaru launches 2011 Mediocrity marketing campaign [w/video] — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/05/subaru-launches-2011-mediocrity-marketing-campaign-w-video/. Retrieved 2010-10-30. 
4. ^ Fallah, Alborz (2010-10-06). "Subaru 2011 Mediocrity Advertising Campaign | Car Advice | Reviews". Car Advice. http://www.caradvice.com.au/85913/subaru-2011-mediocrity-advertising-campaign/. Retrieved 2010-10-30. 
5. ^ "Kia vehicles assembly by Avtotor". Avtotor.ru. http://www.avtotor.ru/kia/. Retrieved 2010-10-30. 
6. ^ "internationallanding". Kia.com. http://www.kia.com/optima/optima-safety.php. Retrieved 2009-11-02. 
7. ^ "Kia Magentis Review". Carpages.co.uk. http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-magentis-review-part-1-03-12-06.asp. Retrieved 2009-11-02. 
8. ^ Redesigned 2009 Kia Optima Debuts in New York March 20, 2008, The Torque Report
9. ^ Kia adding optima production line to georgia plant
10. ^ 19 April 2010 (2010-04-19). "Kia to launch Magentis estate". Autocar.co.uk. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/248826/. Retrieved 2010-10-30. 
11. ^ "Optima Turbo". Kiaturbo.com.com. 2011-04-14. http://www.kiaturbo.com. Retrieved 2011-04-31. 
12. ^ "Specs". Turbosonata.com. 2010-04-27. http://www.turbosonata.com/rumors-news-f1/specs-t2.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-31. 
13. ^ ^{a b} "Specifications". kia.com. http://www.kia.com/#/optima/specifications/. Retrieved 2011-01-06. 
14. ^ "Specification". www.kiamotors.com. http://www.kiamotors.com/vehicles/optima/specification.aspx. Retrieved 2011-01-06. 
15. ^ "Kia Optima Hybrid Coming in 2011". HybridCars.com. 2010-09-23. http://www.hybridcars.com/news/2011-kia-optima-hybrid-28614.html. Retrieved 2010-09-26. 

External links

• Official US website