New Optima Reinforces KIA^s Growing Brand Strengths

All-New Sedan Was Designed To Deliver High Levels of
Style, Performance, Safety and Value in a Competitive Segment
When the Kia Optima first arrived in the U.S. market it stood out as a smart buy to discriminating consumers who wanted a vehicle filled with useful features and covered by one of the best warranty programs in America. Now, Kia is raising the bar in the mid-size segment with the introduction of the all-new 2006.5 Optima, which is the latest 'next generation' product in the company's revitalized lineup.

Updated with a wider, more aggressive stance and a longer wheelbase, the new Optima's dimensions provide more passenger room than several of its competitors, including Honda Accord and Toyota Camry*. The Optima offers consumers a generous list of desirable features and a distinctive exterior design, blending modern and sporty styling cues for distinctive character both inside and out.

Offering improved horsepower and fuel economy in both the four-cylinder and V6 models, and more standard safety features than most of the competition, the all-new Optima will be competing in a highly competitive segment that includes the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion.

'The all-new Optima continues Kia's new product revolution and is the latest example of our brand's new ‘exciting and enabling' characteristics,' said Kia Motors America executive vice president and COO Len Hunt. 'The Optima has traditionally been a value-leader in the U.S. market, and the new Optima's enhanced performance and exceptional passenger space is sure to help separate it from the increasingly competitive mid-size landscape.'

'The new Optima shows consumers that a well-built, fun-to-drive sedan with a stylish design and a long list of standard equipment does not have to cost a fortune,' said Ian Beavis, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. 'We believe the Optima will build upon the previous-generation vehicle's reputation for value, and will attract buyers who appreciate the availability of advanced features such as standard full-length side curtain airbags at a reasonable price.'

For Kia, the launch of the all-new Optima follows the successful introduction of several new products. In the last four years the Kia product lineup has grown to nine vehicles, with more customers shopping the Kia brand than ever before. The redesigned Optima arrives as Kia continues to create a larger presence with a broader range of products that offer high levels of quality, value and safety for American consumers.

Source - Kia

The Kia Optima was introduced in 2001 and shared many similarities to the Hyundai Sonata. It had similar styling with a few of the same interior features. Mechanically, they were also very similar.

In 2003, the Optima was give dual headlights and minor designs enhancements. The following year, the grilled was redesigned.

An all-new Optima was introduced in Korea in late 2005. The 2006 North American International Auto Show saw the introduction of this new Optima in production form. The car is offered with three engine options, a four-cylinder in 2.0 and 2.4-liter form that provides 145 and 160 horsepower respectively. The V6 engine provides 185 horsepower. There is a five-speed automatic and manual gearbox.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2007