Kia Heads Upmarket - Optima Premium

[Quicksand]

Well...i never thought i would raise a thread praising a Kia...but i have to admit i am mighty impressed with the new Kia Optima Platinum. No i'm not a Kia salesman, but when i read the article on Go-Auto this morning i found myself actually considering one for the first time ever!

Weighing in at 1475kg, the 2.4L 4 cylinder Direct Injection engine produces 148kW/250Nm. Fuel economy for a medium sedan is good at 7.9L/100KM although 0-100km/h is not earth shattering at 9 seconds. IMO, they look nice and for less than $37,000 the standard features are incredible:

-6 speed auto
-Steering Wheel paddle shifters
-full black leather trim
-dual-zone climate-control
-a reversing camera with colour interior mirrors display
-rear parking sensors
-speed-sensing automatic door locks
-eight-way power seat adjustment with two memory positions and ventilation for the driver
-a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
-heated front seats
-a 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument panel display for the seven-function trip computer
-eight-speaker Infinity six-CD sound system with MP3, USB and Bluetooth connectivity
-rear glass-mounted aerial
-keyless push-button starting
-remote central locking
-a three-piece full-width panoramic sunroof
-illuminated door scuffs
-a four-spoke leather-clad steering wheel with audio
-a large cooled glovebox
-cruise and phone controls
-an ‘Eco’ button that is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.5 per cent by optimising air-conditioning and drivetrain power use
-mood lighting on the centre console and doors
-woodgrain gearshift and door switch surrounds
-six airbags including side curtains
-active front head restraints
-seatbelt reminders for all five occupants
-18-inch flush-faced alloy wheels
-black-bezelled Xenon headlights with washers and static cornering lights -foglights
-LED daytime running lights
-LED tail-lights
-wing mirror-integrated LED side repeater lights
-twin chromed outboard exhaust outlets
-chromed door-handles

Here is one of your reasons why the Falcon is being outsold. I love my Falcon mainly because it will run rings around this car, but even a G6E doesn't come close to the standard features of the Optima Platinum and can't compete in price. Some will say the Optima isn't a competitor for the Falcon but it is for me and i will bet it is for many others that are looking for a mid to large sized sedan. It's just another option that ticks more boxes.

KIA’s classy new Optima is now on sale in Australia, where the burgeoning Korean brand’s all-new medium sedan is available in just one highly specified ‘Platinum’ grade priced at $36,990 plus on-road costs.

As we reported when we first drove the Optima in Dubai last October, the belated replacement for Kia’s slow-selling Magentis combines coupe-like styling and impressive refinement with top-class efficiency with Kia’s generous five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Representing an outstanding new alternative in Australia’s highly competitive medium sedan segment, the Optima is based on the same new Hyundai-Kia group global mid-size platform that underpins Hyundai’s i45 sedan and forthcoming i40 wagon.

The otherwise well sorted i45 was criticised after its 2010 launch for its sub-standard steering and ride/handling combination compared to accomplished rivals like the popular Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro, Ford Mondeo and even Toyota’s top-selling Camry, Hyundai responded quickly with suspension damping revisions for the MY11 version, which GoAuto is yet to drive.

While the i45 scored top marks for design, which raised the bar for Hyundai passenger cars to a surprising new level, the Optima goes one step further on both counts, offering an even sharper European-style interior and exterior design and unique steering and suspension systems developed in Australia for local conditions.

Like the i45, the Optima - sales of which will be limited to just 1000 vehicles due to strong global demand, leading to delivery delays of up to five months – is powered by the Korean auto giant’s new 2.4-litre Theta II GDI (gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder petrol engine, matched exclusively with the car-maker’s new six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters.

At less than $37,000, the Optima Platinum is priced significantly lower than similarly specified versions of its most direct rivals, including Hyundai’s own $38,990 i45 Premium flagship.

For now, all Australian Optimas come standard with 18-inch flush-faced alloy wheels, black-bezelled Xenon headlights with washers and static cornering lights, foglights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, wing mirror-integrated LED side repeater lights, twin chromed outboard exhaust outlets and chromed door-handles.

KiaOptima center imageThe luxury theme continues inside, where standard Optima Platinum features include full black leather trim, dual-zone climate-control, a reversing camera with colour interior mirrors display, rear parking sensors, speed-sensing automatic door locks, mood lighting on the centre console and doors, woodgrain gearshift and door switch surrounds, six airbags including side curtains, active front head restraints and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants.

Also standard is eight-way power seat adjustment with two memory positions and ventilation for the driver, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, a 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument panel display for the seven-function trip computer, eight-speaker Infinity six-CD sound system with MP3, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear glass-mounted aerial, keyless push-button starting, remote central locking and a three-piece full-width panoramic sunroof.

Rounding out the extensive standard equipment list are illuminated door scuffs, a four-spoke leather-clad steering wheel with audio, a large cooled glovebox, cruise and phone controls, plus an ‘Eco’ button that is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.5 per cent by optimising air-conditioning and drivetrain power use.

Metallic paint ($450) will be the only option available for the Optima Platinum, which can be had in seven exterior paint colours. Satellite-navigation is not yet available, but is expected to become an option later this year.

Motivating a new chassis that features a 75mm longer wheelbase than the Magentis’ at 2795mm but still weighs a relatively solid 1475kg, the 148kW/250Nm engine accelerates the Optima to 100km/h in nine seconds (down from 9.5 seconds for the 132kW/231Nm 2.4-litre Magentis).

Overall, the new Optima – a name used for Kia’s mid-size model in Australia between 2001 and 2006 – is also longer (4845mm), wider (1835mm), lower (1455mm) and more commodious than before, with a sizeable 505 litres of luggage space.

Despite offering more power almost all its competitors except the Accord Euro, combined fuel consumption of just 7.9L/100km (and CO2 emissions of 189g/km – the same as the i45) is down from 8.1L/100km.

As we’ve reported, the Optima’s new platform comprises larger brakes than before, along with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension design with separate coil springs and dampers.

Kia expects the Optima, which features a sleek aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29Cd, to receive a maximum five-star crash safety rating in Australia, the US (where it went on sale to critical acclaim last year) and Europe, where sales commence in April.

Source: http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25781F001E2688

[Brazen]

Just stunning value, 3 grand cheaper than a Falcon XT too.

[block58]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Just stunning value, 3 grand cheaper than a Falcon XT too.

RRP*

Even with the great value shown there I would still pick a 50th XR6 over that. I guess once the Falcon becomes One-Ford integrated then we will see technology like that featured on the Optima at similar prices.

[Silver Ghia]

Had one in front of me yesterday going over the Bolte, looked good and made me look to see what it was.

Originally Posted by block58

RRP*

Even with the great value shown there I would still pick a 50th XR6 over that. I guess once the Falcon becomes One-Ford integrated then we will see technology like that featured on the Optima at similar prices.

Yes, when you look at what it has, there's not much more useful stuff than what the XR50 has for around the same price, and its still a fwd Kia.

[Fled74]

I reckon that'll sell well on its good looks alone.

[Mr Hardware]

I agree - i reckon it looks awesome.

[hendoau99]

awesome value for money, great looking, 18'' wheel's standard, leather, good audio system. i would seriously consider buying one. but as stated above there are a few fords that are around the same price range. and it is FWD. btu none the less, if i was in the market for a new car, i would test drive this.

[jmack]

seen a couple of silver ones last week when i was at the sofitel hotel they were waiting for the tennis players,looked impressive from the outside especialy with the wheels thye look like the eleanors

[Quicksand]

Originally Posted by hendoau99

awesome value for money, great looking, 18'' wheel's standard, leather, good audio system. i would seriously consider buying one. but as stated above there are a few fords that are around the same price range. and it is FWD. btu none the less, if i was in the market for a new car, i would test drive this.

With all due respect...name one Ford medium/large sedan within this price range that comes close to these features and value for money? As Brazen mentioned, it is $3000 cheaper than a base Ford XT when comparing RRP (which is the only way they can fairly be compared).

I still prefer RWD and 270KW with heaps of NM on tap. This is still getting me over the line to buy a Ford...but i wont want that forever.

[kypez]

Originally Posted by Quicksand

With all due respect...name one Ford medium/large sedan within this price range that comes close to these features and value for money?

Mondeo is the closest we have.

Cant compare the Falcon, the Kia gets a sunroof/moon roof.

[ZA-289]

It hurt's to admit you like a Kia eh?

[Quicksand]

Originally Posted by ZA-289

It hurt's to admit you like a Kia eh?

A little part of me died inside while i was typing this thread up...maybe i need to head over to the thread about admitting secret car fantasies lol

[Fled74]

Not really. But if I ever bought this I'd de-badge it first thing.

[dylancox]

Originally Posted by Fled74

Not really. But if I ever bought this I'd de-badge it first thing.

A Ford badge would fit nicely in place of the Kia Oval Badge . The opposite was done with the Kia Festiva a while back.

[T3man]

Hyundai and Kia are preparing for the Chinese onslaught - they are both very pro-active companies and will do everything they can to consolidate their market and grow it as much as possible before China starts to produce the goods that will lead them to dominate the world car market - might take five years yet but it WILL come! I'm not saying they will dominate in five years but they will, within that timeframe, begin to rapidly increase their market share and we will see their rise to car market domination within maybe 20 years tops.

[gcg2503]

Saw one of these at the tennis. They look great!

Remember people used to laugh at Honda's in the 70s.....i am sure the world will view Kia differently in 15--20 yrs

[buggerlugs]

Originally Posted by gcg2503

Saw one of these at the tennis. They look great!

Remember people used to laugh at Honda's in the 70s.....i am sure the world will view Kia differently in 15--20 yrs

As they did with Hyundai's when they first come out to........

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by gcg2503

Saw one of these at the tennis. They look great!

Remember people used to laugh at Honda's in the 70s.....i am sure the world will view Kia differently in 15--20 yrs

Same, I cant say id ever buy one but I can see why people who dont really care to much about overall performance would get one.

Its scary how good they are looking. Next thing you know I wont be able to call them POS

[4.0i_SiX]

looks like a honda had sex with a mondeo IMO. Yuck

[Ben73]

First Kia I have ever liked teh look/sound of.
I also don't mind the Hyundai i45.

Another make I never would of looked at twice previously.
If the missus wanted a new car I would recommend them too her.

[Whitey-AMG]

It is a great looking car. The Koreans have come along way with their design direction. There's is lots to like about the Optima. In fact , had I been able to wait 8 months or so......I too may have considered this as an option when we were searching for a new car. In the end, we opted for the Top of the range SUZUKI Kizashi.....couldn't be happier.......but the OPTIMA also looks the goods.

[Polyal]

The Kizashi is a ripper aswell and that would still be my choice, the i45 looks a bit odd.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Polyal

The Kizashi is a ripper aswell and that would still be my choice, the i45 looks a bit odd.

The KIZASHI is also extremely well equipped and drives very well. The design of the KIZASHI is more VW based , whereas the OPTIMA looks a lot fresher. They both have similar levels of equipment, but now the KIZASHI also has AWD with their sports variant ( based on the SX4 platform ).

Most of these mid sized cars now perform quite well for what they are and their equipment and safety levels are quite high.......bang for your buck is extremely good. We drove the Accord , the Mazda 6 and the Jetta when we were choosing our new car. The KIZASHI was our choice based on performance / equipment and pricing.

Would be good to hear from anyone that's driven the OPTIMA to see what its really like ?

[SumoDog68]

It is a car not a lounge room so one should not be blinded by gadgets it has. First question should be how well does it drive .
As with all Kia/Hyundai product one has to ask - how do they do it? That is until you drive it. Unfortunately today's average consumer is more interested in buttons to push (consumerism at it's best) or looks then in primary function of the car.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

It is a car not a lounge room so one should not be blinded by gadgets it has. First question should be how well does it drive .
As with all Kia/Hyundai product one has to ask - how do they do it? That is until you drive it. Unfortunately today's average consumer is more interested in buttons to push (consumerism at it's best) or looks then in primary function of the car.

You might be shocked and find it drives better than our beloved Falcons !!!!!!
KIA has come along way since their inception and being a part of the HYUNDAI juggernaut means that their resources are vast. Although you mention the car is not a lounge room........many people spend a hell of a lot of time in their cars...so why not be in an enticing environment with all the mod cons....nothing wrong with that. Although the performance is not earth shattering..I'm sure it will be adequate for the target audience it is aimed at.

[SumoDog68]

I have driven some Kia/Hyndai cars and if it is anything like them then I ll think I ll pass.
I admit I am not Korean car fan and would not buy one. $37k is a lot of money for what it is gadgets or not.

[FG XR]

Looks awesome, nice price tag too!

[T3man]

No good putting your head in the sand and letting the world pass you by. I have the luxury of being able to choose what I drive. I therefore choose front engined V8 rear wheel drive even though a Camry can probably do everything I do in a cheaper fashion. For people who are on a budget with a family to raise they will find this offering very very tempting.

Drive one for yourself instead of judging it by bias.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by T3man

No good putting your head in the sand and letting the world pass you by. I have the luxury of being able to choose what I drive. I therefore choose front engined V8 rear wheel drive even though a Camry can probably do everything I do in a cheaper fashion. For people who are on a budget with a family to raise they will find this offering very very tempting.

Drive one for yourself instead of judging it by bias.

I don't like Kia /Hyundai product but I might change my mind if they make something aspirational for a change.

People on a budget with 37k to spend on a new car :-) I would recommend a corolla , mazda 3 or focus and pocket the difference :-)
As for driving it , I drive manual cars and Kia does not make Optima with manual gearbox. Maybe target audience is too preoccupied with shiny buttons to change their own gears :-)

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

I don't like Kia /Hyundai product but I might change my mind if they make something aspirational for a change.

People on a budget with 37k to spend on a new car :-) I would recommend a corolla , mazda 3 or focus and pocket the difference :-)
As for driving it , I drive manual cars and Kia does not make Optima with manual gearbox. Maybe target audience is too preoccupied with shiny buttons to change their own gears :-)

Geeze... you are tough to please... MUCH more people here seem to like it rather than the very few that dislike it.

Corolla??? Mazda 3?? are the blinkers that tight on your head?? How much do you know about cars?? The Optima is up against the Camry, Mondeo, Mazda 6 etc.

Just say you went to your mate and told him you were buying a new Mondeo. What would you say to him if he said you should just buy a Focus and 'pocket the difference'.