Manufacturer Kia Motors Model years 2000–present | Production 2000–present Class Mid-size car (D) | |
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Body style 4-door sedan
5-door estate (2015-present) Layout Front engine, front wheel-drive | ||
The Kia Optima is a mid-sized 4-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze & Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States and Malaysia where the Optima name was retained. The Optima name is now going to be used for all markets except China, where they will also use the South Korean market name.
Contents
First generation (2000–2005)
From 2000–2005 Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing only from the Sonata in minor exterior styling details and equipment content.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
Update
The 2002 Optima received a minor update. The Optima was a luxurious version of Kia Optima sold in South Korea. The grille was redesigned for the United States in 2003 (2004 model year) to feature the Kia badge, and the headlamps were restyled for 2004 (2005 model year).
Second generation (2005–2010)
The second generation Optima, known as the Kia Magentis globally except the United States and Malaysia, and as the Kia Lotze in South Korea, was launched in South Korea in November 2005. This generation differed further from the Hyundai Sonata donor vehicle than the previous model. Unlike the previous Optima though, this vehicle uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG". The car continues to be built in South Korea and shares its 2.4-litre inline-four engine, five-speed Sportmatic automatic or five-speed manual transmission with the Sonata.
The Optima received a crash test rating of five stars from the NHTSA, and four stars from EuroNCAP.
Update
The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year). This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps. In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to approximately 4,800 mm (190 in) long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised. Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In certain markets, the option of satellite navigation is offered.
The new Theta II 2.4-litre inline-four engine employs dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to increase power to 131 kW (176 hp) while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. Torque is rated at 229 N·m (169 lbf·ft) there is 2.0 L for other markets middle east etc. a 2.0 L 4cyl with 5 manual or 4 automatic gearbox with power 164 hp (122 kW) at 6200 rpm and 197 N·m (145 lb·ft) torque takes it from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9.2 sec for manual and 10.1 for auto with top speed up to 208 km/h (129 mph) outside the US. The 2.7-litre V6 has few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to 144 kW (193 hp), and torque to 249 N·m (184 lbf·ft) with standard 5-speed automatic takes it from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8.9sec with top speed up to 220 km/h (137 mph). A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, and a five-speed automatic is included with mid- and high-end levels (or as an option in the base model).
2010 models see the addition of a Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and paddle shifters on SX models.
In Australia, the Magentis was introduced in August 2006, and replaced the Optima. Initially available with a choice of 2.4 L 4-cylinder or 2.7 L V6 engines, the Magentis sold poorly, with sales peaking at only 741 units in 2007. In 2008, the V6 engine was dropped, as was the Luxury model, leaving only the entry-level 2.4 L EX model, which was sold at a heavily discounted price. In 2009, the Magentis was discontinued in Australia. While the facelifted 2010 model was never officially launched, a very small number were imported for "evaluation" purposes, and sold to the public as demos.
Third generation (2010–2015)
The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platform as its sibling Hyundai i40, named the Kia K5 in the South Korean and China market, made its world debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It features a much sleeker, sportier profile designed by new Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, following the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento, and upcoming Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza — and using Kia's new corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, also designed by Schreyer. Lead designer of the TF in the team of Peter Schreyer and Miklos Kovacs was the Italian Davide Limongelli. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously.
As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a universal GDI 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is only standard on the LX model. Sales began in Fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on 29 April 2010.
The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. Starting in October 2013, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package. EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates.
A Hybrid model and a Turbo model have already been released. In addition, a wagon version will hit European markets, and two-door coupe version may arrive in the U.S. at a later date. The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb·ft (365 N·m) of torque in the North American model. The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) on the highway.
The third generation Kia Optima is built and manufactured in West Point, Georgia which began in 2011 with the 2012 model.
In Australia, the new Optima went on sale in January 2011. Initially available in only one grade, the highly specified "Platinum", it was later joined by an entry-level "Si" model in the 2012 model year. Both models feature a 2.4L GDI engine with 6-speed automatic. A manual is not offered.
The facelifted 2014 model was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March.
Reception
In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Optima came in third place out of six cars behind the first place Volkswagen Passat and the second place Honda Accord.
Engines
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Hybrid version
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and was launched in the U.S. market in November 2011. During its first month in the market sold 524 units. Considering cumulative sales in the U.S. market through December 2011, with 19,672 units sold, together the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia Optima Hybrid ranked second in hybrid sales for calendar year 2011, after the Toyota Prius.
The Optima Hybrid uses the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter MPI engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 30kW electric motor and lightweight lithium polymer batteries to produce a full gasoline-electric hybrid with an estimated fuel consumption of 37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) city and 39 mpg‑US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg‑imp) highway. The Optima Hybrid is able to travel up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in full electric mode, which helps it stand apart from many competitors. Korean and European markets will get the Optima Hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The only externally apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima are the hybrid badging, application specific wheel design, a lowered ride height by approximately 1 in (25 mm), and the availability of a special light platinum graphite paint color. It also utilizes an active shutter system behind the upper the grille, allowing the car to redirect airflow when the gas engine's heat levels allow (such as when the car is operating in EV mode to improve aerodynamics, or to assist in more rapid warming up of the gas engine).
In September 2011, the Optima Hybrid set a Guinness World Record for "Lowest Fuel Consumption in a Hybrid Gasoline Vehicle" while driving across the continental United States for 14 days, starting from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia. In its 7,899-mile drive across the 48 states, the car recorded an average of 64.55 miles per gallon while consuming a total of five and a half tanks of gasoline. In order to qualify for the record, the car had two people and luggage throughout the entire trip.
Fourth generation (2015–present)
The 2016 Kia Optima went on-sale towards the end of 2015. It shares a platform with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, and offers a new design, with new features and enhancements. As with the previous-generation Optima, the new model was designed by Kia's Chief of Design, Peter Schreyer, who was a previous designer for Volkswagen Group, AG, working mainly with their Audi division of luxury cars.
Plug-in hybrid
A plug-in hybrid variant was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Kia Optima PHEV shares the powertrain of the Hyundai Sonata PHEV, and like its sibling, it has a 9.8 kWh battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of 27 mi (43 km), but the Optima plug-in hybrid has a lower drag coefficient, which at 0.24 Cd is on par with the all-electric Tesla Model S. The Optima PHEV has an active grille, which automatically opens and closes at high and low speeds, contributing to reduce the Cd. The plug-in hybrid features a 50 kW electric motor and 2.0-liter “Nu” four-cylinder GDI engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Retail deliveries began in the United States in January 2017 with 40 units sold.
Sportswagon
At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show Kia revealed the Sportswagon variant of the Optima sedan. The introduction of the SW should broaden the appeal of the Optima. The SW variant will be sold worldwide excluding the North American and South korea market, as station wagons have been overtaken by Crossover Utility Vehicles as the standard family hauler.
Kia Optima Convertible Concept
The Kia Optima Convertible Concept was shown in 2015 as a concept car as it was a 4-door convertible similar to the Kia Optima sedan without the roof and rear suicide doors for the rear passengers to easily access without a B-pillar. The sedan had rear conventional doors with a fixed roof while the convertible had rear suicide doors without a B-pillar and a roof. The new Optima will continue to offer its familiar 2.4L and 2.0T Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder engines, though will also offer a new engine option for 2016: an all-new 1.6T Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder engine. As before, no V6 engine options will be available. While the 2.4L and 2.0T engines will be paired with an automatic transmission, the 1.6T engine will be paired with an all-new seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). All engines will offer improved fuel economy ratings.
A Hybrid version has not yet been announced, however, it is likely that Kia will release a hybrid Optima by 2017. Like its Hyundai Sonata Hybrid platform mate, the existing Optima Hybrid will most likely continue to be sold as a 2016 model, with the new model debuting by mid-2016.
An all-new, upscale interior will offer an optional UVO infotainment system, with support for both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto technologies. Top-of-the-line Optimas will include a hand-stitched dashboard, quilted luxury leather seating surfaces, high-quality aluminum interior trim panels, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, a Surround-View Monitor, and Bi-Xenon LED Front Headlamps with Auto-Leveling. Blind-Spot Detection and Backup Warning Sensors will also be available, as will Automatic Emergency Braking.
Standard features for the new Optima are expected to include, as with the current Optima: keyless entry, an A/M-F/M stereo with SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, single-disc CD/MP3 player, iPod/USB and auxiliary audio input jacks, and Bluetooth with hands-free stereo streaming of audio, six speakers, alloy wheels, and premium cloth seating surfaces.
Awards
The Optima is a two-time winner of the International Car of the Year award. it also won the 2016 Red Dot "Best of the Best" Award.
Motorsport
The third generation Kia Optima is an official entry in the Pirelli World Challenge. In June 2012, Michael Galati drove the Infinity Audio-sponsored Optima to Kia's first victory in round 8 of the 2012 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, while teammate Mark Wilkins finished in second place.
Kia Racing clinched the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport (GTS) Class Manufacturer Championship in only its third season of competition. Kia defeated rivals Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Aston Martin and Nissan to become the first Korean auto manufacturer to win the coveted championship. Kia Racing finished the stellar season with 13 podium finishes, including 5 race wins. Meanwhile, the turbocharged Optima race cars led more on-track miles than any other manufacturer in the class this season.
The race car weighs 2,950 pounds (1,340 kg) and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine generating 368 horsepower and uses a 6-speed sequential transmission. It reaches 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 160 miles per hour (260 km/h).