Kia Optima/Magentis

Infobox Automobile
name=Kia Magentis


assembly=Hwasung, South Korea
manufacturer=Kia Motors
parent_company=Hyundai Kia Automotive Group
production=2001-present
class=Mid-size
layout=FF layout
predecessor=Kia Clarus
body_style=4-door sedan

The Kia Magentis is a mid-size four-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors and marketed globally through two generations and various nameplates.

The car has been marketed as the Lotze (hangul:기아 로체) in South Korea, and as the Optima in the United States since 2001, Australia since 2001, and Europe since 2002. In Chile the first generation was marketed as Optima, and since as Magentis.

The Optima is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company, a joint venture with Kia.

2001

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=2001–2006
engine=2.4 L "Sirius II" I4, 149 hp
2.7 L "Delta" V6, 170 hp (138 kW)"Delta
2.5 L " V6, 169 hp (138 kW)
wheelbase=auto in|106.3|0
length=auto in|185.8|0
width=auto in|71.5|0
height=auto in|55.5|0
aka=Kia Magentis
Kia Optima Regal (Korea)
transmission=4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
related=Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Grandeur/XGThe 2001 through 2005 model year Magentis were mechanically identical to their sister car, the Hyundai Sonata. Thereafter the Kia Optima differed only from the Sonata in exterior styling and options.

2003

The styling of the Magentis/Optima was revamped for the 2003 model year. American models did not wear the Kia logo on the grille, but the Kia logo was used with that grille for Canada. The grille was redesigned for 2004 to feature the Kia badge, and the headlights were restyled for 2005.

2006

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


production=2006.5– Present
wheelbase=auto in|107.1|0
length=2009-:Auto in|189.0|0
2006-08: auto in|186.4|0
width=auto in|71.1|0
height=auto in|58.3|0
aka=Kia Lotze
Kia Magentis
Kia Lotze Innovation
transmission=5-speed automatic and manual
engine=2.0L Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on I4
2.4L Theta Convert|161|hp|kW|0|abbr=on I4
2.7L Mu Convert|185|hp|kW|0|abbr=on V6
related=Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Grandeur/Azera
Kia Carens/Rondo

The revised Optima was launched in November 2005 in Korea; and for North America on January 9, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show, now differing to a greater degree from the Sonata.

Unlike the previous Optima, this vehicle no longer shares its platform with the current generation Sonata (NF) nor Hyundai Elantra (HD). It instead uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG," shared with the the Kia Carens/Rondo.

The car continues to be built in South Korea. The current Optima/Magentis shares its 2.4L I4 engine with the Sonata, and uses a 5-speed "Sportmatic" automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.

The Optima received a crash test rating of 5-stars from the NHTSA [http://www.kia.com/optima/optima-safety.php] and 4-stars from Euro NCAP [http://www.carpages.co.uk/kia/kia-magentis-review-part-1-03-12-06.asp] .

2009

The Optima received a redesigned front end and new taillights for the 2009 model year. This facelift debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. In South Korea, it is marketed as the Lotze Innovation (hangul:로체이노베이션). The pre-facelift styling continues to be used on a new model called the Lotze Advance. [ [http://paultan.org/archives/2008/07/03/kia-lotze-innovation-facelifted-optima-in-korea/ Kia Lotze Innovation facelifted Optima in Korea] ] Noticeable differences from the USDM model include LED taillights, different grille, and more technological options such as push-start button.

While still retaining a 2.4L 4 cylinder and a 2.7L V6 engine, the new Theta 2.4L 4-cylinder engine brings in Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) to lift power to 175hp (128.8 KW) while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. The V6 has few changes to the previous model but power is rated at 190hp. Torque figures are 169lb/ft and 184lb/ft respectively. All models with be 5 speed, either manual in the basic model or semi automatics standard in mid and high end models or as an option in the base model.

Length of the 2009 model is slightly increased by 3 inches to an approximate 189 inches long. Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In at least certain markets the option of satellite navigation will be offered.

References

External links

* [http://lotze.kia.co.kr Kia Motors Lotze Homepage]
* Official website: http://www.kia.com/optima/index.php
* Kia Optima (Magentis) Performance Mods: http://www.kfxperformance.com
* Kia Optima at AutoGuide Wiki.com: http://www.autoguidewiki.com/Kia_Optima_EX
* UK's Honest John's Magentis roadtest: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=26
* 2006.5 Kia Optima review (US-spec) at About.com: http://cars.about.com/od/kia/fr/ag_06OptimaLX.htm
* [http://www.koreangarage.com The Korean Garage] A place for KIA owners to share their car with others and find performance parts retailers.
* 2009 Optima/Magentis: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z15158/Kia_Optima.aspx