Kia Motors America (KMA) has officially unveiled the 2011 Kia Optima sedan (Magentis in Europe and K5 in Korea) at the 2010 New York International Auto Show which is available in three all-new powertrains including turbo and Kia’s first-ever hybrid (available in the US in 2011).
The all-new Optima was designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, California and the new model is longer, wider and lower than the previous model. The car is based on all-new midsize platform that allowed for distinctive dimensions and proportions in the segment while providing Kia’s global design team a unique canvas to design a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in the segment.
At the exterior, the 2011 Kia Optima features Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille surrounded by projector headlamps, a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, boldly flared wheel arches and roofline that connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to the sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase.
The Optima is available in LX, EX and SX trims where the LX comes with dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65 R16 tires. The EX model meanwhile comes with the standard features from the LX model with the additional fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body color door handles and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55 R17 tires.
The highest range model is the SX model which comes with all the standard features together with HID headlights with auto levelling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake callipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels wrapped with P225/45 R18 tires.
Inside, the Kia Optima features instrument panel contoured toward the driver, paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, a high console with short shifter, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 3 months complimentary service, USB audio input jacks and steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.
Other features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box.
The LX model comes with an automatic transmission with cruise control and an active EcoMinder indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving.
The EX model meanwhile comes with UVO powered by Microsoft infotainment system with rear-view camera, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way power driver’s seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles.
The interior of the sportier SX model features unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal accent, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.
The Kia Optima EX and SX can be upgraded with additional components such as the power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and an Infinity 6 5.1 surround sound audio system with HD Radio, and eight speakers delivering in excess of 500-watts of system power and voice-activated navigation system with a seven-inch screen.
The 2011 Kia Optima is available in three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid.
The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 hp while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers 274 hp while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All automatic transmission feature Sportmatic clutches shifting. Only the LX four-cylinder model has a single six-speed manual transmission.
The 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will only be available in 2011.
The 2011 Kia Optima is measured at 190.7 inches long (1.7 inches longer than the previous model), 72 inches wide and with the wheelbase of 110 inches (2.9 inches increase compared to the previous model). The Optma has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches for enhanced aerodynamics.
The front-wheel-drive Optima is built on a unibody frame and utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems where MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs and front anti-roll bars.
The 2011 Kia Optima features high level of standard safety features such as six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC).
