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New Kia D-segment contender makes European debut at Paris

The striking Kia Optima, the company’s all-new mid-size sedan, will make its first appearance in front of a European audience at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The bold and dynamically-styled model – which is sold as ‘K5’ in Korea and ‘Kia Optima’ in all other markets – made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April this year, and has subsequently achieved sales success around the globe.  When Kia Optima goes on sale in Europe in mid-to-late-2011 it is expected to continue this trend, and significantly grow the company’s market share in the D-segment – inspiring and challenging consumers to consider a Kia.

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”.

The product concept behind the creation of the newcomer focused on four key areas.  Stand-out Styling – a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior, Class-leading Performance – down-sized but more efficient engines with six-speed transmissions, Superior Packaging – new, longer wheelbase platform and Advanced Features – high-tech premium options.

The car which resulted from this product concept has been very well received.  Launched on the domestic Korean market in May 2010, the car 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.

Naturally, 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-litre 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-litre CVVL (continuously variable valve lift) gasoline engine producing 170 ps*.

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

“With new Kia Optima, our global design team has penned a vehicle with distinctive dimensions and proportions that stands apart from everything else in its segment.  Using an all-new mid-size platform and an all-new bodyshell, it moves our sedan product up to the next level of our design revolution,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing, Kia Motors Europe.

“In spite of the ongoing global economic uncertainties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for D-segment sedans in many countries will grow steadily over the next three years.  We anticipate segment sales rising by 23% from 4.3 million last year to 5.3 million in 2013. While we expect the segment to shrink in Western Europe, Kia wants to gain a bigger share of this sector.

“Customer clinics with the new car have generated strongly positive responses and we are confident that the all-new Kia Optima will greatly boost our presence in the segment around the world,” concludes Oeyen.

As with all Kia models sold in Europe, the newcomer will be offered to consumers with the manufacturer’s unique 7-Year / 150,000 km warranty, which is fully transferrable to subsequent owners.

Styling – ‘a bold declaration of intent’

Designed under Schreyer’s guidance by Kia design teams in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the new model inspires and challenges European D-segment consumers to consider a Kia.

“With our new sedan, we have created a product that people previously would not have expected from Kia and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve!“ asserts Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer.

“Kia Optima is more than one step ahead of the car it replaces – it’s a clean sheet design that owes nothing to its predecessor.  In every detail you will recognize our bold declaration of intent to grow Kia’s market share in this segment.  Through the balance of its muscular proportions and the elegant simplicity of its raked roofline, our design results in a car that radiates self-assurance and confidence from every angle.

“It marks a new strand in Kia’s evolving 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,” adds Schreyer.

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

Customers keen to boost the visual impact of their vehicle still further can also specify a special ‘Sport Package’ which includes 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 calipers and machine-finished 18 x 7.5-inch, 10-spoke, flush-faced, alloy wheels.

Engines – offering best-in-class performance and low emissions

The new model will be available to European consumers from launch with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre 170 ps* gasoline engine and a 1.7-litre 136 ps* diesel, which is expected to account for the majority of sales in Europe.  Also offered at a later date will be a higher output (160 ps*) version of the 1.7-litre diesel.

Reacting to markets demands for smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, the diesel powerplant offered is a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s popular ‘U2’ engine.  Fitted with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) the new engine produces 136 ps* and 330 Nm* of torque for excellent driveability, and delivers best-in-class performance for an engine of its displacement (83 ps per litre*).

A number of measures designed to enhance engine efficiency (including fitting an overrunning alternator decoupler and an innovative battery management system) also mean that Kia Optima will have the best emissions figures in class – producing just 122 g/km CO2.  Drivers keen to reduce the environmental impact of their car even further can select Kia’s optional ISG Start/Stop system, which automatically switches off and restarts the engine in heavy traffic conditions.  Fitted with ISG, Kia Optima is able to deliver a remarkable CO2 output of just 113 g/km, placing it among the lowest vehicle tax bands in most European countries.

The 2.0-litre gasoline engine is an all-new powerplant.  Called, appropriately, ‘Nu’ the new lightweight engine offers best-in-class performance (85 ps per litre*), and competitive fuel economy.  Continuously Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) boosts performance and economy (5.5 per cent* improvement, compared to non-CVVL engine of the same displacement).  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 globally, the all-new Kia will be offered a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions – whatever the engine customers specify – providing greater refinement and efficiency while cruising at higher speeds.

Enhanced standard and optional premium features

True to the company’s philosophy of producing cars that present excellent value for money, Kia Optima will be fitted with generous levels of specification as standard, and buyers will also be offered a number of optional high-tech features typically found on vehicles from premium brands.

The all-new model will offer numerous standard exterior features (depending on model) including solar glass and outside mirror turn signal indicators.  Fitted as standard for all trim levels is a powered lumbar support for drivers seat, and although the final standard specification may vary country-by-country, a typical lower trim vehicle will feature bright chrome A- to C-pillar trim moulding, manual air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, a radio & CD player with 6 speakers, keyless-entry with alarm system, outside mirror LED turn signal, aero blade wipers, windshield de-icer and folding rear centre armrest with twin cup-holders.

Available as standard on higher trim levels or as options are features such as automatic folding mirrors and a Smart Parking Assist System.

Buyers will also be presented with a range of state-of-the-art active and passive safety systems and equipment as standard – or as options, depending on model and market.

Appealing to existing and new Kia customers

Global demand for the new model will be supplied from Kia’s Hwasung factory in Korea, while cars for the Chinese market will be manufactured in China from early 2011.

Kia‘s first-generation D-segment offering, the Optima/Magentis, was introduced in 2001 and the second, which marked a huge step forwards for Kia, in 2006.  Over the next four years, it attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia, and achieved global sales of more than 110,000 units in 2009.

Editors’ Notes
*Manufacturer’s estimated target

Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation.  With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 25 markets in Europe.

About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.  As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier
automotive brands. 
    Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced at 13 manufacturing and assembly
operations in eight countries.  These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries.
    Kia today has more than 42,000 employees and annual revenues of almost US$14.6 billion.  It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official automotive
partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup.
    Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – ‘The Power to Surprise’ – represents the
company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous
automotive innovation.

Press Contact

Ilona Tzudnowski                            
PR Manager Europe                           
Tel.:  +49 69 850 928 357                      
E-mail:  i. tzudnowski@kia-europe.com

Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 11
60486 Frankfurt, Germany