Kia Optima

Kia Optima
2011 Kia Optima EX (US)
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai (2000–2005) Kia Motors (2005–present)
Production	2000–present
Model years	2001–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Kia Credos

The Kia Optima is a mid-size 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.

First generation (2000–2005)

First generation (MS)
Overview
Also called	Kia Magentis (Europe and Canada) Kia Optima Regal (KDM Facelift)
Production	2000–2005
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu, China Kaliningrad, Russia[1]
Body and chassis
Platform	Hyundai-Kia Y4
Related	Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Trajet Kia Sedona
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L Sirius II I4 2.5 L Delta V6 2.7 L Delta V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (110 in)
Length	4,745 mm (186.8 in)
Width	2000–2005:1,815 mm (71.5 in) 2002–2005:1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,420 mm (56 in)

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).

Engines

Type	Model Years	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm
2,351 cc (143.5 cu in) 2.4 L Sirius II I4	2001–2005	149 bhp (111 kW)@6000 rpm	156 lb·ft (212 N·m)@4500 rpm
2,493 cc (152.1 cu in) 2.5 L Delta V6	2001	170 bhp (130 kW)@6000 rpm	169 lb·ft (229 N·m)@4000 rpm
2,656 cc (162.1 cu in) 2.7 L Delta V6	2002–2005	170 bhp (130 kW)@6000 rpm	181 lb·ft (245 N·m)@4000 rpm

Total U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2000	97
2001	25,912
2002	26,793
2003	34,681
2004	53,492
2005	41,349
2006	38,408

• 

  2003 Kia Optima (US)

• 

  2003 Kia Magentis (Canada)

• 

  Kia Optima rear (China)

• 

  2005–2006 Kia Optima (US)

Second generation (2005–2010)

Second generation (MG)
Overview
Also called	Kia Magentis (Europe, Canada, Australia, Brazil,Singapore) Kia Lotze (South Korea) Kia Lotze Advance (KDM Model Year) Kia Lotze Innovation (KDM Facelift)
Production	2005–2010
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Kaliningrad, Russia[2]
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Grandeur/Azera Kia Carens/Rondo
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L Theta 143hp I4 petrol 2.4L Theta 138-162hp I4 petrol 2.4L Theta II 175hp I4 petrol 2.7L Delta V6 170hp petrol (2005–2006) 2.7L Mu V6 185-194hp petrol (2007–2010) 2.0L CRDI VGT 140hp I4 diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic (Mu Engine only)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107 in)
Length	4,755–4,810 mm (187.2–189.4 in)
Width	1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58 in)

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,^[3] and four stars from EuroNCAP.^[4]

Update

2010 Kia Optima EX (US)

2010 Kia Optima SX (US)

Rear view

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. The design of the updated Optima was penned under the guidance of Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief design officer, and also former chief designer for Audi and Volkswagen. 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.^[5] 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.

US Engines

Type	Model Years	Power@rpm	Torque@rpm
2,351 cc (143.5 cu in) 2.4 L Theta I4	2006	138 bhp (103 kW)@5500	147 lb·ft (199 N·m)@3000
	2006.5–2008	162 bhp (121 kW)@5800	164 lb·ft (222 N·m)@4000
2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) 2.4 L Theta II I4	2009–2010	175 bhp (130 kW)@6000	169 lb·ft (229 N·m)@4000
2,656 cc (162.1 cu in) 2.7 L Delta V6	2006	170 bhp (130 kW)@6000	181 lb·ft (245 N·m)@4000
2,657 cc (162.1 cu in) 2.7 L Mu V6	2006.5-2008	185 bhp (138 kW)@6000	182 lb·ft (247 N·m)@4000
	2009–2010	194 bhp (145 kW)@6000	184 lb·ft (249 N·m)@4500

Third generation (2010–2015)

Third generation (TF)
Overview
Also called	Kia K5 (South Korea, China, Indonesia) Kia Optima K5 (Malaysia)
Production	2010–2015
Assembly	West Point, Georgia, USA[6] Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor) Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto) Kulim.Malaysia Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu, China
Designer	Peter Schreyer Miklos Kovacs Davide Limongelli
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Sonata (YF)
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L Theta II I4 2.0 L Theta II GDI (turbo) I4 2.0 L Nu CVVL 2.4 L Theta II I4 2.4 L Theta II GDI I4 1.7 L U2 CRDi TD I4 2.0 L D4EA CRDi TD I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Length	4,845 mm (190.7 in)
Width	1,835 mm (72.2 in)
Height	1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Curb weight	1,391–1,411 kg (3,067–3,111 lb) 1,535 kg (3,384 lb) (Turbo) 1,583 kg (3,490 lb) (Hybrid)

Kia Optima rear view

The completely redesigned Optima, sharing the same platorm 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.^[7] The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T.^[8] The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb·ft (365 N·m) of torque in the North American model.^[9] The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg_-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg_-imp) on the highway.^[10]

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.^[11]

Engines

Model	Engine type	Power, torque@rpm	Note
Diesel engines
1.7 CRDi	1,685 cc (102.8 cu in) I4 U2	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 4000 rpm 33.7 kg·m (330 N·m; 244 lbf·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm	Europe
2.0 CRDi	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 D4EA	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4000 rpm 29 kg·m (280 N·m; 210 lbf·ft) @ 2000–2500 rpm	Europe
Petrol engines
2.0 MPI	1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 Theta II	165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) @ 6200 rpm 20.2 kg·m (198 N·m; 146 lbf·ft) @ 4600 rpm	Europe and Middle East
2.4 MPI	2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II	180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @ 6000 rpm 23.6 kg·m (231 N·m; 171 lbf·ft) @ 4000 rpm	Europe, Middle East and South Africa
2.0L Turbo	1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 turbo Theta II	274 hp (204 kW; 278 PS) @ 6000 rpm 269 lbf·ft (365 N·m) @ 1750 rpm	North America
2.4L GDI	2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II	200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) @ 6300 rpm 186 lbf·ft (252 N·m) @ 4250 rpm	North America, Australia and South Africa (Since 2013)

Source:^[10][12][13]

Hybrid version

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid (US)

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.^[14] 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.^[15]

The Optima Hybrid uses the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter 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.^[16] 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.^[17] Korean and European markets will get the Optima Hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.^[18]

There are no externally apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima except for the hybrid badge, different wheel discs, a lowered ride height by approximately 1 in (25 mm), and special light platinum graphite paint color. It also has active cooling vents behind the grille, allowing the car to redirect airflow to the electric motor and its components when the gas engine's heat levels allow (such as when the car is operating in total electric, or before the gas engine is fully warmed up).

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.^[19][20]

Fourth generation (2016–present)

Fourth generation (JF)
Overview
Production	2015–present
Assembly	West Point, Georgia, USA, Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea, Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor), Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto), Kulim, Malaysia, Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu, China
Designer	Peter Schreyer
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Sonata (LF)
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L Gamma G4FJ Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), 2.0L Theta II Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), 2.4L Theta GDi Naturally-Aspirated Inline Four-Cylinder (I4)
Transmission	6-Speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,805 mm (110.4 in)

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.^[21] 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. The Optima PHEV will be sold in the United States as a 2017 model year, and retail sales are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.^[22]

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 market, as station wagons have been overtaken by Crossover Utility Vehicles as the standard family hauler.

Kia Optima Convertible Concept

Kia Optima Convertible Concept
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia
Production	2015 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	4-door convertible
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L N/A I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic

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 won the 2016 Red Dot "Best of the Best" Award.^[23]

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.^[24]

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).^[25]

See also

• Hyundai Sonata

References

1. "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили KIA". Avtotor.ru. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
2. "Kia vehicles assembly by Avtotor". Avtotor.ru. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
3. "internationallanding". Kia.com. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
4. "Kia Magentis Review". Carpages.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
5. Redesigned 2009 Kia Optima Debuts in New York 20 March 2008, The Torque Report
6. Chris Shunk RSS feed. "Kia adding optima production line to georgia plant". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
7. "Kia to launch Magentis estate". Autocar.co.uk. 19 April 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
8. "Optima Turbo". Kiaturbo.com.com. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
9. "Specs". Turbosonata.com. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
10. "Specifications". kia.com. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
11. "2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vs. 2012 Honda Accord EX-L, 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2012 Kia Optima EX, 2012 Toyota Camry SE, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE".
12. "Specification". www.kiamotors.com. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
13. "Specification".
14. O'Dell, John (6 December 2011). "Hybrid Sales Soar In November". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
15. "December 2011 Dashboard: Sales Still Climbing". HybridCARS.com. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
16. "Kia Optima Hybrid Coming in 2011". HybridCars.com. 23 September 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
17. "2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review". Automoblog.net. 14 July 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
18. Car supermarkets (22 March 2011). "Kia Optima hybrid driven – Car and Car-Buying News – What Car?". Whatcar.com. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
19. Woodyard, Chris (13 September 2011). "Kia Optima Hybrid sets hypermiling fuel economy record". USA Today. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
20. Welsh, Jonathan (13 September 2011). "Kia Optima Sets Guinness Record for Fuel Economy". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
21. Kane, Mark (2016-02-11). "Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid Debuts In Chicago (w/video)". InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
22. Kane, Mark (2016-03-04). "2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid At The Chicago Auto Show, On Sale This Fall". InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
23. "New Kia Sportage and Optima win new design awards". thenewsmarket.com. 2016-03-30. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
24. "Kia Racing Scores First Pirelli World Challenge Victory as Galati and Wilkins Bring Infinity Audio Optimas Home First and Second in Canada". PR Newswire. 23 June 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
25. Webster, Larry (October 2014). "Kia Optima GTS Race Car". Road & Track 66 (3): 40–42.

External links

• Official US website