Kia To Launch New Optima In New Zealand

Kia Motors has confirmed that the all-new replacement for the current Magentis large family sedan will

be known as the Optima when it arrives in New Zealand later this year.

“The name change is in line with the international profile of this car and suits the New Zealand market

since Optima is a name that has been used before and is recognized here,” says Mr Todd McDonald,

General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand

“The all new dynamic design makes Optima one of the best looking cars in its class. Our Dealers are

already receiving considerable numbers of enquiries from potential customers, along with increased

attention from our key customers as we anticipate the arrival of the Optima in the fourth quarter of

2010.”

Unveiled at the recent New York Auto Show, the next generation Optima is a “stunningly attractive” 4-

door sedan that continues Kia’s design-led transformation of its product line-up, conveying elegance

and athletic confidence from every angle.

Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, California, the all-new Optima is longer, wider and

lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based on an all-new mid-size platform that allowed creation of

distinctive dimensions and proportions while providing a unique canvas for Kia’s global design team to

create a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in its segment.

“The all-new Optima is a new strand in Kia’s growing design DNA with a blend of simple and fluid lines

and elegant but uncomplicated shapes that draw the attention of the eye in much the same fashion as

a perfectly-tailored fine Italian suit,” says Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation.

“Its smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European luxury.”

The sleek exterior is matched by a luxurious passenger cabin, which is claimed to be among the

roomiest in its class. The secret to the interior roominess of the Optima is the all-new platform,

allowing the overall length of 4845 mm to grow 45 mm over the previous model and the wheelbase by

75mm to 2795 mm.

New Optima will be available with a range of high tech, fuel-efficient petrol engines in various markets

including a 207kW (278hp) 2.0-litre GDI turbo engine that delivers V6 power in a four- cylinder package..

A newly developed 2.4-liter hybrid and all-new 1.7-litre VGT turbo diesel will be available in some

markets.

All transmissions on the new Optima, both manual and automatic, have six speeds with the automatic

gearbox featuring Sportmatic ™ clutchless shifting.

Safety features designed into the new Optima are geared towards achieving a 5-star rating in key

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