2011 Kia Optima coming to Australia

By Alborz Fallah | April 02nd, 2010

The all-new Kia Optima has just been unveiled at the New York International Auto Show and we can confirm that it’s headed to Australia to replace the Magentis towards the end of this year.

Jan 22nd 2011 Update – KIA Australia has announced prices at $36,990 for the Optima Platinum as the only variant in the range. That includes all the features standard with the only option being metallic paint.

Kia believes the new sedan which has been designed to appeal to a whole new generation of buyers is certain to be a hit given its futuristic appearance.

Hyundai’s sister brand says its new midsize sedan will showcase many firsts on Kias. Not only in the style and performance categories but also in interior luxury and overall feel.

Although it’s unlikely we will see all of the new five powertrains coming to Australia, North Americans will also have access to the first Kia turbo engine and even a Kia hybrid (coming in 2011).

We suspect the hybrid drivetrain is the same as the one used in the recently announced Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai Australia has told CarAdvice that it’s currently assessing the possibility of bringing the hybrid variant here but given it’s built for right-hand drive markets (built in Alabama) it may be unlikely for some time.

The idea behind the Optima design was to convey elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. The model was designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, California, under the talented eyes of Kia’s design boss Peter Schreyer.

“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,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors Corporation.

Compared to the Magentis the Kia Optima is longer, wider, lower and is built on a new midsize platform. It appears to be one of many cars that may potentially be based on this platform across the Hyundai-Kia range.

Details of the engines are currently hard to come by and Australia is unlikely to see all five engines at launch. What we do know is the all-new Optima will make use of direct injection, multi-port injection and turbocharging to up the power without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Tim

WOW, this is FANTASTIC! Absolutely love it, and that Saab interior done in a modern way. Though those cupholders looks a bit weird.

Glenn McTEAR

Looks great , let’s hope we get the Diesel

Wil

Glen McTear
Diesels are for tractors,trucks,buses and the like.

Scott

Maybe 10 years ago they were… Now they’re beating petrols every which way you look at it!
Numan

I agree. Until I hear a diesel engine that doesn’t sound like a truck at idle.

Howard

Impressive!! Looks much better than Toyota Camry or Honda Accord/Euro.

Nobody

Bye bye Camry.

okies

Hey mate!
You’d better give some respect Toyota !

DGS

Why ???

It’s your $30,000 you are paying them, they should respect their customers and not take quality shortcuts when charging a premium for their reputation based on quality and duribility.

The demand for loyalty from the established industy leaders and the publics disloyal buying habits (favouring quality and value) is how Toyota and Datsun nailed the British motor industry 40 years ago.

Either Toyota lifts it’s game, or history repeats.

okies

Please don’t cry…
But you like sushi dont you ?
They make best sushi in the world.
Shak

Thats because they invented the damned thing. Much like Mercedes-Benz and the A-u-t-o-m-o-b-i-l-e.
Al Juraj

DGS says:

“Why ???

It’s your $30,000 you are paying them, they should respect their customers and not take quality shortcuts when charging a premium for their reputation based on quality and durability…”

Shortcuts are okay here. Check out Commodore sales.

katyperry

“give some respect toyota” ?

or

“give toyota some respect” ?

two totally different statements MATE

Tomas79

And bye bye to epica and mondeo too!!
Another nail in the holden coffin!

david

I dont know why the Epica gets such a bad rap!
I drove a CDXI Epica (Diesel) and it was so smooth and
refined..Quiet!
Yes its not up to alot of other cars in quality/features blah blah
but i tell you for 25K i am still seriously considering one..

Jon Leong

You must be joking…. Smooth and refined in a epica diesel??? I drove one on a Holiday and it cant even steer in and out of a round-about. (rubbish tires + rubbish suspension + rubbish chassis + rubbish power steering= catastrophic under steer every where)
Shak

mate how fast were you going to get the car to veer away from you intended trajectory and get understeer?

KIA Lovers

Here I come KIA…. fabulous design

Hope they also upgrade their handling to match Honda and Mazda – then it will sell like hot cakes

Howard

By the way, Any body knows when does Hyundai Genesis or Equus comes to Australia?

Shak

I dont think we are getting either, as the genesis competes with the Sonata(as ive heard) And a mate told me that Hyundai couldnt make a business case for the Eqqus as it didnt fit the pricing range for Hyundai.

Evo7

Shak, Genesis is higher grade than Sonata.. Genesis may compete with Holden Statesman if it comes to Oz.

Shak

I know, but it aint statesman sized, the Eqqus is. Im just saying what i have heard.

PocketMissile

Genesis is coming to Oz, mate. I heard from mate who works in Hyundai Dealer and he told me Genesis will be here 4th quarter of 2010
Shak

Thats nice to here. Got my hopes down when my mate said it wasnt coming.
katyperry

well i guess your mate is a liar.

4th qtr has past,

no genesis.

Baddass

What the heck is going on with that C-pillar? Obviously it is a nice design, but there is some fussiness IMO. Like the outside roof panels and how they join with the C-pillar, the small rear spoiler that looks like an afterthought, and the long tail lights that look good by themselves, but are raised a little too high perhaps. Little things sure, and it still looks miles better than a Camry.

o

seems CA chose some bad shots the floor pics make the car look stunning, hope kia takes the optima name

quiet1

This is brilliant……..looks better than the new i45…

The interior is fantastic

if the handling and drive lives up to the looks then Kia you have a winner !!!

Anyone knows what the price is gonna be ???
Hendrik

Fear the Koreans!

Great fresh style coming out of the once dreary design houses of Seoul…

Mr Pee Pee

Frankfurt and California, not Seoul.

jinsei

Frankfurt and California design studio all under supervision and strategic planning by the Seoul Headquarters where President Chung watches over the whole business world wide.

So I think Hendrik is right in saying that.

sammo

It looks amazing, but let’s wait and see how well it drives.
My guess is that steering will be an issue, as with most of the latest Korean cars.
Andrew M

Why dont they put the better designs with a hyundai badge??

People will actually go a hyundai now, but I think Kia is still on the ten foot pole list regardless of how good they look

matt

thats exactly why they look better, get the brand image up

okies

Hyundai wannabe Mercedes and Kia wannabe Audi ? Maybe ?

Shak

Whats wrong with that? People said that about Lexus and look at them now.
dan

Nothing wrong with low cost brands aspiring towards the expensive brands, it’s a win-win situation.

bob

So much better looking than the melted new Sonata
Yianni

Well we used to say the Koreans are coming… I think we can start saying the Koreans are now here…

Hyundai and KIA are making some wonderful cars these days and a lot of people are starting to take them seriously.
Valet Dabess

kia is everywhere! where ever you look or go. kia!
ohreally

love the dash, looks like a modernized version of a toyota supra interior, driver orientated, and the materials look great.

roof looks a bit goofy, but the front bar is nice, very aggressive.
Hopefully it will have the goods under the bonnet
Howard

Nobody Knew in the past that KIA really becomes these goods!!
largeportion

Blah Kia Blah, all these bias Korean car lovers on this site…….. no resale so no value in buying no longer how long the warranty. They are looking better but their reputation will take a while to fix

A.F.

So true; I’m glad someone has some sense around here
Robin Graves

Nothing is worse for resale than a conformadore and they aren’t exactly renown for reliability.

Shak

I love everything about this futuristic car, except for the steering wheel. Whats with the buttons on the spokes. Theres too many and if was turning the wheel i might accidentally call someone, or mute the audio. Overall 4 stars in my opinion.
david

Gorgeous…sleek, agressive & stylish!
Couldnt ask for more…And that interior..WOW!!

Stick the Sonata, Hyundai!
jinsei

I personally think this looks way better than the new Sonata (i45). Although in isolation the Sonata is good but in comparo with this, the Kia is the winner.

Only the Mazda 6 can be on par with this Kia in mid size market when it comes to exterior design. (Again my personal opinion)
Ben

This thing does not look better than a camery! The front grill looks weird, the back lights look odd and the interia looks OK.

A.F.

Kias have never been even remotely tolerable; and as far as I can discern this is no different. It’s just bits of other cars stuck together in an altogether hideous fashion and garnished with a crap badge. The best parts of it are no better than mediocre.

jinsei

A.F., is that what you would say when the Audi TT first came out about 10 years ago?

The very same guy has designed this Kia and your response is totally the opposite isn’t it?

Peter Schryer does not take bits and pieces from other cars in his design and you know it but just don’t wanna admit it. Why? because it’s a Kia.

Get a life man. Put down your badge snobbery.

A.F.

The 2000 Audi TT isn’t that great either. You’re just all Kia lovers, and that’s fine, but don’t insult me because I’m not a fan of the car brand which you love.

jinsei

On what basis would you say i m ‘a Kia lover’?

I am ‘a good value for money/ reliable car lover’ Not a fan of a particular brand like you are. There are a few brands who produce reliable, well-built cars at reasonable prices, and I belive we have to love them all equally for their effort.

Look at your comment, REGARDLESS of what Kia do, you call it ‘untolerable’. This blatantly shows your brand prejudice. No wonder you don’t care about the recent reviews on Kia vehicles or their quality survey results. As long as it is a kia, it’s a piece of junk right?

If this car was wearing a VAG or other German badge, it’s so obvious your response would go like:

“Fantastic! Peter Schryer rock! What an excellent car with great handling, cornering and blah blah blah.”

Typical badge-snobbish statement.
quiet1

It’s not about being Kia lovers, its about appreciating good designs…this definetly is one of them…holdens, fords and toyotas could learn a thing or two.

I’m sure u would love this car if the badge would be of your liking !
A.F.

To be honest, I’m just not a fan of Peter Schreyer’s car styling, even on the European cars which you all keep mentioning; and you can’t say Kias have splendid reliability-
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/ gives the Optima a reliability score of 5/10. And you can’t say that’s brilliant.
The Kia Sedona gets the same score. And the Kia Soul. The Kia Rio gets a 6/10, which is still not great. The Sportage received a 6/10 on MSN Auto. The fact is, Kias aren’t all that reliable.
And I believe you should love car marques for their cars overall, not just the effort put into them.

Robin Graves

It’s OK, A.F. is probably a Crummydore driver and thinks they are the best thing on the road.

A.F.

I am not a Commodore driver; for your information I happen to be more of a Saab person.

quiet1

Saab !!
when was the last time they sold a car in australia?
Robin Graves

Well its still from the GM ‘stable’, and fits perfectly with how you described this Kia quote “It’s just bits of other cars stuck together in an altogether hideous fashion and garnished with a crap badge. The best parts of it are no better than mediocre.” Sounds like most GM cars to me, Saab included.
http://caradvice.com.au auto

Saab ? well that explains it.
A.F.

I hate GM too; I’m a fan of the classic Saabs from the days before GM took over, and I want to see what designs they come out with now that Spyker own them.
Ben

What do you have against SAAB. It is a great company with a great history of making cars unique. I can tell you the new Saab 9-5 is great!

jinsei

I don’t think A.F drives a Commodore.

Commodore and Falcon are very good value for money yet have respectable handling, engine, and interior space. Much better value than German cars.

So if he really has one, he would appreciate how much effort manufacturers have to put to make good cars and sell them at reasonable prices. But he obviously doesn’t. And he doesn’t deserve it.

Forza M

read above, af (does that stand for almighty fool?) loves saabs. he has said enough, what a banger o cat

http://. Naughtyius Maximus

Stunning svelte naturally cool looker which is sure to be a major player in market and continue the relentless march of Hyundai / Kia group onwards and upwards quickly to number 1! This group is really switched on mega and they are a threat right now!
Wounderland

I think this would be the first and only Kia I would even consider buying and this is coming from a BMW driver.

dan

I drive a BMW, my wife drives the new Kia Cerato. Like most reviews, it’s exceeding expectations especially mine, and providing new benchmarks. Engine power is no joke while being one of the most economical. Styling is as attractive as this Optima.

Nothing wrong with Kias nowadays. Rather I honestly think they’re one of the car brands of the future…

n00dle

Another beautiful design by the pen of Peter Schreyer. Great work.
Dennis

Interior is fail for me…

okies

No doubt.
You are one in a million.

Mal

That big clumsy button on the side of the gear selector looks sooo 20 years ago, but apart from that it’s a very nice Audi interior!
Matthew

There is some serious new gen Jaguar and Audi in this new kia. The plastic lining around the center console baffles me its all over the show. Other than that its a pretty spectacular looking Korean car. Is that a oxymoron?

okies

Yes.
It is oxymoron.
Remember? Just like Genesis-prada or Prada-Genesis they produced few years ago.

RdS

Brilliant. what a MASSIVE step forward from the current model.
Byron

The sexiest Korean/Kia ever! I love the exterior so much, very sexy indeed. Interior, well i’m blown away, it looks very good. The sooner it arrives in oz the better. Will be waiting for the day when it topples Camry, one of the most un-exciting cars i’ve ever seen. Bring it on KIA.
Mark G

To the person who said the Hyundai Genesis is coming here this year – not a chance. For one, Hyundai are already launching 3 major models this year. Secondly, the Grandeur manages less than 50 sales per year. How do you think a car larger and more expensive than Grandeur will do? Thirdly, only the Genesis Coupe has been confirmed for RHD, so if we see any Genesis at all, it will be the coupe not the sedan, and it will be next year, not this year.
KM

These days KIA just does not stop – one winner after the other!
vti07

This car with its sharp design will stand out on the roads. Toyota,Mazda,Honda et al watch out!
XR6

It LOOKS good. But any manufacturer can tart up a cars sheet metal etc to look good. What matters at the end of the day is whats under the skin.

KM

XR6 – I agree with you… However let me assure you the Koreans have more technology/Engineering then what a falcon/Commodore would have under their skin. They have produced a 2.4L with 150KW – not bad in my books…. Also they have developed there own 6 spd transmission, not many manufacturers develop their own engines/gearboxes. Anyhow I know there is alot more to it then that, but just a simple example….

XR6

While Im no engineer, Im not quite sure if a Kia would have more technology/engineering than a Falcon which has been developed over a greater period of time by a manufacturer who has been around for decades. On that basis, it would be safe to assume the Falcon through Ford has the advtange of a greater pool of technology/engineering knowledge. Producing 150kw from a 2.4L engine (which isnt that great in the scehme of things, the Honda Accord Euro has done this) is not a indication of anything, any manufacturer can make a 2.4L engine that generates 150kw, but will it be reliable being that highly strung? The true test is to make a 2.4L engine that makes 150kw, drinks hardly any fuel and lasts 300,000kms. Time will tell.

This is not to say that Kia isnt improving or dont make good cars, but much like Toyota many moons ago, they are at the bottom right now, not at the top YET. Making a few nice looking vehicles is good, in fact they have quite a few attractive cars now, but the long term test of 5+ years and being reliable is the test that Toyota succeeded in and will determine the success of Kia.

Richard

I own a Magentis and I must say it is terrific. Reliability is such that it has never let me down. I am very happy with my sooo underated car. To the Kia knockers out there get a life and sample the product. This new car is eagerly awaited and I will happily buy this new great looking Magentis/Optima!
KM

Yes you are correct – ford has been around for decades, but for some reason the falcon/commodore are just not engineered or even designed for the current market place we are in. they keep on producing big sixes with ++ KWS which really get the same performance as a similar European vehicle with half the KWS.
The Honda Accord has done this due to VTEC. VTEC as we all know is a revolutionary thing from Honda, however KIA has no VTEC and has still managed to pull out more power. Reliability will tell us as time goes; however the Koreans would not be giving 5yr unlimited km warranty if they didn’t have faith in their vehicles.
Further to this – do you know the Koreans have the most powerful 2.2 Diesel engine in the world…? 145kw 436nm….

Anyway that’s my input.

Shak

Really? Name one Euro that has about 100-105 kws and similar performance to our local boys.

Zero-A6M

Waste of time here in Oz, like the Sonata will sell in tiny tiny numbers v’s the usual suspects……………

Unless they going to do $19,990 driveaway dont even bother

Martin

They only sold poorly because they were never advertised anywhere. So no one knew it existed. If they advertise this right, they will sell.

HJP

No wonder an ex Audi head designer came to Kia to influence their cars. Kia cars are now more like Audi-sh. It’s a very huge step up compared to Kia 5-10 years ago. Kia Optima looks great exterior wise and wow the interior is quite futuristic. If they priced at between $30-$40 grand then I’ll trade my Accord Euro with it. Japanese carmakers will have their grounds shaken by Korean carmakers attacks.
Freddy C

are you kidding me? $30000-40000?! i think it’ll be much less. As much as i like this car, it’s not worth buying if it’s priced at anything more than $29000 drive away for top model. If kia wants to make this a success they do need to get real with the pricing. Nice car but definitely not groundbreaking in any respect.

jinsei

Freddy C, how do you know if it is ‘not groundbreaking in any respect’?

Sounds as if you have already been driving this Kia for years have you?

It may well be a groundbreaking sedan with Peter Schryer design, Mazda 6 handling and Commodore-spaciousness and Hyundai-reliability. We just don’t know at this stage.

It’s not too late to judge after you test-drive one later.

Christopher Teng

Our parents soon will be buying a new car. They have stuck with Toyota for a long time without a complaint. When I first saw this article the Optima looked great!. We’re most likely going to get the Camry. This car may look good but Kia is a very bad brand. Wouldn’t consider this.

Ken

Hey Christopher, If your parents have always stuck with Toyota and probably going to upgrade to a Camry, who are you to make the bold statement that “KIA is a very bad brand”? Have you owned or driven one? Have you ever been outside the Toyota circle? Making statements like that better be backed up with some hard evidence considering the trouble your beloved Toyota is currently going through.
You may like Toyota for their blandness, but me personally, i’d take a KIA with more features for less money.
I have owned 4 KIA’s over the years and have never been let down by anyone of them. Therefore, my opinion counts as I have first hand experience.
jinsei

Kia is a ‘very bad brand’?

How many MILLIONS of cars are being recalled by Toyota?

A sticking accelerater problem that has killed and injured THOUSANDS,

oh what a feeling!

Chris Teng

To Ken, the comments I made were My views; not everybody’s. Clearly there are some who disagreee with me, I accept that. But that doesn’t mean you need to jump and attack my views. There are some who have compared Toyota to the recent world-wide recalls. It has defaintly damaged Toyota, but look at the Americans sales where it was hit the highest; jumped up by 30-35%! It shows Toyota is still a great and reliable auto brand.

Ken, your words were quite strong. Too me, you even went as far as questioning my evidence. It’s only my views; defaintly not a debate.

Shak

And how did you come up with these views? Or are they just blatant assumptions?
Ken

Chris, sorry for using “Strong” words as you put it. I didn’t realise that your quote “KIA is a very bad brand” isn’t strong while my word’s are. No harsh word’s for Chris or Toyota from me anymore.

You have your opinion Chris and your entitled to it, like the rest of us.

We’re not here to debate on the better vehicle. Some like KIA and some like Toyota. You’re the one who clearly is a loyal Toyota buyer that gets on a KIA comment forum and makes statements as you have without any facts to back you up. I get on the KIA comment forum and make comments as I have owned 4 myself and have first hand experience on KIA vehicles. I have never owned a Toyota so I can’t say if they are a bad vehicle or not. I can say that they are “Bland” though as that’s a visual interpretation and you don’t need to own one to have an opinion.
Martin

If it’s your view, say “To me, Kia is a very bad brand” not just announce “Kia is a very bad brand” as though it’s some kind of factual statement. Then you won’t have people jump down your throat.

Perhaps remember this for next time…?

A.F.

Shut up why don’t you, everybody allowed to have their views. Just because you don’t agree with them that’s no cause to abuse the people or question their judgment, it’s their life and it’s their opinion. Not everyone is pro-Kia, you have to realise that and deal with it. I recognise that not everyone is pro-Saab and I respect that. You’re allowed to have your opinion, Chris should be allowed to have his and I should be allowed to have mine. Show some respect.

BarryH

Probably the best looking in its class. The wheels are awful though, but thats minor.
app_master

The Cerato Hatch looks good too (nice to see a couple pics thrown in above…)
Did not know that model existed!
Freddy C

hey as much as i hate toyota jinsei, the sticking problem hasnt killed thousands so lets not exaggerate. i like this car and will def check it out as soon as it hits our shores but i stick to my comment. It isnt groundbreaking. i cant know this for sure just like i cant know whether or not i’ll drive a rolls in 20 years time but it’s definitely not probable just like it’s definitely not likely the k5 will be any much better than the upcoming corresponding models from other manufacturers. all i wanted to point out is they should price this right to make it appeal to buyers ie cheapers than the 6, accord, sonata etc. I’d love it to be a success and all the best to hyundai,kia. All im saying is if i were in the market in 2 years for a midsize sedan, i’d rather get a base accord euro, mazda6 or even sonata for $40000 than spend $35000 on the optima.

jinsei

I said killed ‘and’ injured so it includes both the number of deaths and injuries ok? so it is not exaggeration by any means.

How do you know it’s ‘definetely not probable’ that it will be better than its future competitors? This car has not even been launched yet. Are you a fortune teller or something?

The current magentis’s handling is already on par with that of the last-gen Mazda 6 according to the car advice review. So there is a good chance that it can be better than other Mid-size sedans in the market. We just don’t know at this stage. So don’t assume everything.

And in pricing, given their competitive pricing on their cars thus far, the Magentis is likely to be priced competitive too. If it’s priced 35k while similarly loaded Accord Euro costs 40k, you may go for the Accord but I m sure many others will take the Magentis for 5k less.
GoHyundai

“A sticking accelerater problem that has killed.
A sticking accelerater problem that has injured THOUSANDS.”

Freddy C

In that case i think alot more buyers will prefer the accord euro for 5g more. brand isnt everything but it still matters. Hondas ivtec 2.4l is definitely more reliable, and efficient relative to performance output. not to mention better resale, and most likely also better gearbox and dynamics. At the end of the day and if we take off all badges, the honda would still be the better car but for a slight premium which i personally will pay and im sure many others would as well. I havnt driven the current magentis but i can say a 5 year old focus still handles great like most small cars. I honestly dont think it\’s gonna be any much better than other cars in it\’s class. Im not a fortune teller but get real. What are the chances it will be? think about it. It\’s gonna take a few more years and models before that happens. I havnt seen anything remotely groundbreaking with this car or any kia/hyundai at all and I dont need to be a fortune teller to predict the obvious. It\’s just a normal car only difference is kia/hyundai has come a LONG way with its recent models. Remember there are some pretty interesting and exciting competition out there.

jinsei

Honda i-vtec is a great engine but Hyundai/kia 2.4 Theta II is no less engine that the honda’s.

That is why Mitsubishi and Chrysler paid Hyundai US$60million in royalties to use their 2.4 engines with some modifications from their own engineering department.

The Accord Euro 2.4 requires Premium petrol to produce official output but the Hyundai 2.4 puts out 150kw just on 91 ULDP.

The new Magentis/Optima may not be groundbreaking in every single respect but still can be a serious threat to the Accord Euro if priced 5K less. 5K difference is large enough to attract customers provided the car is reliable, well-built and handles well.

Freddy C

if they price this thing to start around $26000 with an auto box then they have a winner for certain.

StarGhazzer

unfortunately that isn\’t going to happen, not when the auto SLi Cerato is selling at the same price. Low 30K would be sweet though.

Neo Utopia

Very surprising, in a good way, for a Kia. Those rims were came striaght out of VW’s garage by the way. Looks a lot more dynamic than what Kia has got on our roads at the moment.
nameless

Absolutely refreshed Design. Nothing in Japan land comes close. this car is a home run design inside and out. This is what all automakers should strive for no matter what level or price range. Well done Kia, well done…. by the way, I LOOOOVVVVVE that side vent

rar

New Optima is perfect textbook for “how can drawing sedan design”. GM designers should learn from this.

Benny

Boring!
http://caradvice.com.au auto

i wonder how long it will be before other car makers approach Peter and offer him a job.

DGS

Looks like Kia has given him a free hand and seem to be reaping the reward for doing so.

With Hyundai / Kia’s finally arrived at high quality / durability all that was missing was the ability to dress their engineering in a beautiful body and furnish it with a disirable interior. Peter’s designs are bold and distintive. Not sure what to make of the bottle opener grill though.

Why would he want to toss away this opertunity to single handedly define a rapidly growing brand as the designer of it’s visual image? Who is going to give him a better deal?

jinsei

DSG, can’t agree with you more.

Most European/Japanese brands have their established design framwork so designers can only work within that framework.

But at Kia, Peter Schryer is not restricted to such thing at all. In fact, he is the one who has to create such framework so that the company can follow it at least for the next couple of decades.

As a designer, this is an opportunity to truly create something without having to follow somebody else’s work. Who would want to miss that opportunity? I think that’s why perter has decided to sign up with Kia.

Sumodog

It is a good looking car. Not a surprise when you see who is designer chief at KIA. Rear and sides and few other angles show clear Audi influnce. Not a bad thing.
So it does look great but would you own a KIA , that is the question…Lets see what else they make – Rio, Optima, Sportage, Carnival, Sorrento – none really good cars or even good looking ones.
Shak

Well, they made the product that we wanted now all they have to do is market the damned thing. That was what killed their magentis. It was never advertised. They need to market the heck outta this when it arrives. When they do that they will have built a solid base, and then they can just throw up a small ad when sales start to drop.
http://caradvice.com.au auto

imagine what Peter could do with ford,holden,& toyota.

Shak

I dont think many people find their current ranges that bad, design wise. While they may be bland, that is what they want. Bland product’s for the mass market. They need to appeal to the mass market, and so their designs cannot be too outlandish.

john

This looks great! It seems that each new kia is better than the last!
I am looking for a mid-sized sedan at the moment, I wonder if I could hold off until later this year.
I am curious about the price and whether it will be the same as the current model… I assume not from the look of this car. Anyway, looking forward to a test drive!
Chris Teng

Ok, I’d never expect such negative criticism on my views! There are some who have compared Toyota to the huge recalls; it’s not right. Look at the sales for March in America Toyota jumped up by 41% ! I’m going to compare Kia a couple of years ago.
Before Kia models wouldn’t even be compared to Toyota models. Now if you compare the quality to Kia, Toyota’s quality is a many times better and safer. By the way, the person to designed this Optima and many other designs were by Peter S.
If he wasn’t there, Kia would be like Proton; bad designs, models and quality.

jinsei

Do you know what Toyota have been doing for the last few years to cover up the defects with their acceleration system ignoring complaints from customers?

If you still go for a toyota nobody stops you.

But if you compare Kia to Proton, that only makes you look like someone who needs immediate psychiatric attention. Not even REMOTELY comparable in safety, reliability, design, sales/production volume and many others.

If you cared to look at Kia’s consistent move upwards in JD power Dependability survey or read some of their recent road tests, you would be embarssed of what you’ve just said.

Anyway enjoy your toyota, it really would provide you with ‘lots of feeling’!

Chris Teng

To Jinsei, like I said before: It’s MY VIEW, not everybody’s.
You defaintly shouldn’t criticise me; its not a DEBATE. There are some who disagree and agree with me, I accept that. Clearly you think your the right one here, when there is a majority of people who agree with me. You need to think about what you said. Don’t criticise Toyota. If you think that Toyota is so bad, ask the car buyers who bought Toyota after the huge recall (espically in America, most hit by the recalls)

It’s my view, not the world’s.

jinsei

Yep, it’s your view, and maybe only yours. As I said, nobody(including me) stops you from loving Toyota unconditionally.

But I was just pointing out to the ridiculous comparison that you have made between Kia and Proton. If you are literate and can do some basic calculations, you would know that in all possible factors, they are not even remotely comparable. You knew it but did it anyway only to show your hatred against the korean auto giant.

Read the news today? the U.S Transport department has imposed $16.4 million civil penalty on Toyota for covering up their defects (maximum they can charge)… Did you just say ‘a majority of people agree with you? err…

A.F.

Wow, jinsei, don’t you realise how arrogant you sound? Be civil and respect other people’s opinions. I’m not particularly a fan of Toyota either; but I’m not just going to essentially belittle and insult anyone over what they think. Many people like Toyota, many like Kia, and many like Saab. It doesn’t matter how many, and don’t start any sort of big argument over it, the point is to treat people as your equals, not as if they’re inferior to you, even if you disagree with them. People have different tastes in cars. Deal with it.
Ben

I certainly agree with him and I know a lot of people who will too.

Sumodog

It is a good looking car. Not a surprise when you see who is designer chief at KIA. Rear and sides and few other angles show clear Audi influnce. Not a bad thing.
So it does look great but would you own a KIA , that is the question…Lets see what else they make – Rio, Optima, Sportage, Carnival, Sorrento – none really good cars or even good looking ones.
Patrick

Kia may be cheap now. but within 5 years I think Kia would be expensive as Benz.

ABMPSV

If your prediction is right KIA will be gone!!! KIA will be always cheaper than MB. It is made in Korea and wages are much lower than in Germany.
KinFungl

May be so. But if Hyundai/Kia going to car at Benz level, it’s likely going to create a new brand as Toyota did in late 80s with Lexus. Even now looks at what Hyundai/Kia is offering in US in the higher end of the market.

Who in the 80s would think in 10, 15 years time people who going to buy a Benz or BMW would consider a Toyota/Lexus?

Our family currenty own a Euro Ford (Focus XR5), a Honda and a Kia. And I have to say the Kia has less little issue than the XR5…

ABMPSV

Maybe you are right but look sales figures where is Lexus after 15 years!!! Not even close to Audi BMW and Mercedes and they should enter races like, F1, Le Mans, WTCC or WRC so people will see it and beating the big German 3.

Goodfa

Korea is the new Japan and in about 15 years China will be the new Korea
first

I WILL BUY ONE FOR SURE!!!
Vince

Wheere is the park brake? electric or foot?

Soft or hard plastic surfacee?

Bet the Sat Nav wont be offered in Australia.

Bet there will not be any heated seats too.

Looks good but.
Leon

New Kia Optima is called K5 in South Korea. Check it out!
Darcy Dunbar

I was talking with a Swedish friend on his recent visit to Sydney. I have a 2006 Kia Magentis V6 EX-L and my friend (a late model Mercedes driver) was impressed with the car and saying how Kia is very popular in Sweden. The Swedes are very pragmatic people and the last to be badge snobs. Similarly in the USA, where Kia and Hyundai are BIG.

By the way, I have had no problems with the car to date and actually enjoy driving it! The new 2010-2011 Kia Magentis/Optima will be a winner, but won’t have a V6.
Dyllip

I am 17 and have started saving up for this car! Planning to work my butt off after the HSC just for this! It’s the most beautiful car of seen, for what will be, such a reasonable price!

katyperry

awww how cute

meran

this car is fantastic, we bought an optima 2010 last week for 17200$ it is a great looking car also fun to drive the only cons. that it lacks little power since we got the 2.0l 4auto ,it still enough gets u from 0-60mph in 10sec not bad for 2L theta2 engine handles great, but not as fast as our old pontiac bonneville 1996 3.8L engine which doesnt make sound at all compared with the 4cyl
David

Im foaming at the mouth waiting for this car KIA!!! get a move on!!!!!
stinka

i think the i45 looks a lot more classy than this car , this has got to be one of the most hidious looking attempts at making something sporty i have ever seen this car is just FFFFFFUUUUUUUGGGGGGGLLLLLYYYYY
dan

OK I personally prefer the new Hyundai Sonata, but this car looks mean as hell.

Kia, “the power to surprise”, love it.
Boris

WOW WOW.. I am just returning from Seoul in South Korea (currently writing from Hong Kong airport).. I was blown away by the design of the new Kia “K5″ as the Koreans call it (Optima for the rest of the world I suppose).. This car looks amazing and I even got inside one! Good buy crappy Holden/Fords wannabe models.. If this car is priced right, it will take over Australia in its segment..the car looks too good inside and out.

Jabba the Hutt

I love your enthusiasm but the great looks won’t convert diehards. KIA has a long way to go to sway the average Australian motorist. I am a big fan of this car but the badge is virtually unknown to many. It won’t take over its segment anytime soon.

Ee

This car looks very good exterior wise, nice lines, looks well made etc etc.. The interior is a 50/50 with me..

But my point here is in order for Kia Optima to become a major player in its segment (Camry, Accord, 6 etc) it must have the tightest and most competitive price, i’m talking fully optioned for no more than $29K.. If it has cost similar or more then a mid-range camry, then you could write this off as another i45, remember the Camry here is the golden standard, personally the Camry is bland, but it looks alrite,

And i45 interior with Optima exterior = a WIN, and this Kia Optima could easily become market leader of the segment.. If the price is right
http://caradvice.com.au Steve

$29K. You got to be joking. What med size car with leather trim,heated/cooled seat, panoramic sunroof,and all the bells and whistles, not to mention one of the best warranty’s available comes priced anywhere near that figure? Should be around $40k, I would think and still good value.
Sumpguard

It’s released tomorrow here I believe.
Voice

Kia optima
No matter how much you polish a turd it’s still a turd.
PerthGeezer

Looks great! Great Value! I drive a Ford F6 on the weekends, and this looks like it will become my daily driver! Toyota.. Honda… Mitsi’s are OK but this sweet, can’t wait to drive one! GO KIA Kool Car!
RickyC

It’s up on the Kia website, but no mention of price. In some ways the specs are better than the equivalent i45 Premium. It has dual zone climate, HID headlights, LED running lights, 7-speaker sound system, and colour TFT screen in the dash. The i45 has none of these features, BUT the i45 has GPS, which the Kia does not. I also prefer the i45 styling, as I find it more elegant. I don’t like the Optima’s fussy C-pillar styling, and I don’t like all the sharp edges. I prefer the i45′s flowing curved lines. But of course I’m biased

Al Juraj

These C-Pillars of funky design actually add to the car’s blind spots.

Sumpguard

I had another good look through it in the wee hours of this morning and the more I look the more it impresses. The only thing I don’t like (same with i45) is the single engine option. There should be a diesel offering too imo.

I did notice an “eco” button on the steering wheel so there must be a shift pattern option for economy? Also noticed the infinity wording on the door speakers so premium sound should be a given. Some nice chrome touched on the door handles and around the instrument binacles adds to the impression of a classy cabin. Even the steering wheel looks well done.

The proof of course will be in the pudding. I’m looking forward to the reviews which will no doubt appear on this site this week.
Car_Enthusiast

No matter how much you polish a turd, it’s still a turd! Need to get the fundamentals right, like sufficient power, rear drive, durability/reliability and low maintenance costs.

Long live Holdens and Fords, at least these cars are built for australian conditions, unlike this pretender.
davis

This car looks so pretty! I would love to get one for a present but to get a loan on it I would rather get a use BFII Fairmont Ghia 4.0L with 6 speed ZF a completely spat at and underrated and forgotten car for under eighteen grand rather than this 2.4L Cylinder, I mean seriously all that I can see in my 2002 early BA XT is these small 4 cylinder cars in my rear view mirror as far as acceleration goes and speed/power overtaking etc
olkpokop

About time Australia gets these kinds of car.