Kia Optima

The Kia Optima (known as Magentis outside of the United States and China) is a midsize car built by Kia Motors for the United States and Australian markets since 2001, and in Europe since 2002.

The Optima is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company, a joint venture with Kia.

The Optima is considered a landmark car for Kia to reach into a new market of executive luxury cars, although so far sales have been slow.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * On December 20th, 2010, Kia reveals the 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T (SX).


 * As early as March 14, 2010, images of Kia's next generation Optima, set to debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show, have leaked on the internet. The new D-segment sedan is penned under the tenure of Peter Schreyer.

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability
RECALL ALERT: On June 5, 2009, Kia and the NHTSA issued a recall alert affecting 36,538 MY2001-2004 Kia Optima sedans sold in the so-called 'Salt-Belt' states due to winter salt causing the front subframe to rust severely. According to NHTSA, if the problem is not fixed, over time, the corrosion of the front subframe could lead to the detachment of the lower control arm. Owners are urged to visit their local dealer as soon as possible for an inspection and can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for more detailed information on the issue.

Safety
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Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
Kia followed the launch of the new Optima late in 2010 with the Optima Hybrid. The powertrain uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h). It also has a stop/start function, which eliminates idle fuel consumption and reduces overall emissions. Compared to other hybrids on the market, the Optima doesn't use a nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery, but a more advanced lithium-polymer solution, capable of holding a larger charge (30 kW) for up to 25% longer. Another plus is the reduced weight, as the lithium-polymer battery weighs in at 95.9 pounds (43 kg). Also, unlike its competitors, Kia uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set, opening up more space and compatibility with off-the-shelf parts, like the conventional Optima's six-speed automatic transmission and it costs less.

The electric motor is coupled to the transmission and it incorporates a permanent magnet synchronous electric traction motor. In full electric mode it delivers 40 hp (30 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque and when the 2.4-liter Atkinson Cycle gasoline unit kicks in, combined output is 206 hp and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm). Alongside the traction motor, there's also the 8.5 kW belt-driven Hybrid-Starter-Generator (HSG), which cannot drive the wheels, but it starts the engine and recharges the battery. As with other modern hybrids, the Optima Hybrid has energy recovering brakes. The Optima Hybrid also features a system called Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that plays pre-recorded engine sound during electric only operation to warn people when the vehicle is approaching.

In terms of aesthetics, Kia fitted the Optima Hybrid with a redesigned front grille and headlamps, lower front and rear spoilers, plus side skirts, LED tail lamps and unique 16-inch alloys.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Second Generation (2007-2010)
The 2007 Optima was introduced on January 9, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show. Substantially similar to the 2006 Kia Magentis, the optima now differs more substantially from the Sonata. One major difference is the use of less-expensive MacPherson struts in front, as opposed to the Sonata's multilink suspension. Like the Sonata, the Optima is also longer and taller than the previous model and has a longer wheelbase. Kia offered the 2007 redesign as a 2006.5 model.

Engines:
 * 2.4 L Theta straight-4, 161 hp (107 kW)
 * 2.7 L Delta V6, 185 hp (138 kW)

First Generation/Origins (2001-2005)


The 2001 through 2005 model year Optimas are mechanically identical to their sister car, the Hyundai Sonata, and is more of a luxury version of the Sonata. The Kia Optima differs from the Sonata in terms of exterior styling, and some interior options. For example, later model year Optimas used the same rear leather seats as the Hyundai XG350 whereas the Hyundai Sonata received different (and arguably inferior) rear leather seats. Because of their mechanical similarity, the Kia Optima has been similarly reliable as Hyundai Sonatas of the model same year.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
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