The Optima Kia’s long awaited new D-segment saloon will arrive in dealerships throughout Ireland in the coming two weeks. The Optima which has won numerous design awards is an all-new car from the ground up.
Longer, lower, wider, and with an extended wheelbase compared to previous D-segment offerings from Kia, the new sedan embodies what Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.
The product concept behind the creation of this newcomer focuses on four key areas: stand-out styling - a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior; class-leading performance - powerful and efficient engines with six-speed transmissions; superior packaging - new, longer wheelbase platform; and advanced features - high-tech premium options.
“Having being largely absent in recent years from this important segment of the market we are delighted to be back with this very attractive sedan,” commented Kia Motors Ireland MD, James Brooks. “We realise that this is an extremely competitive sector but we are confident that given the dynamic design and engineering of this model that Optima will soon emulate the success we have enjoyed in the A, B, C and Cross-over segments with our Picanto, Rio, cee’d, and Sportage models.”
In Ireland the new car will be offered in two trim levels both powered by a 134hp 1.7D engine. The entry level EX priced at €26,995 comes with a generous level of specification that includes 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, voice activated Bluetooth, power lumbar support on the driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, and full size spare wheel.
The Platinum model at €28,995 comes with a luxurious spec that includes all of the above plus: 17” alloys, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery with heated front seats, reversing camera, driver memory seat, UV reducing glass, rain sensing front wipers, and much more. The Platinum model is also available in automatic at €32,695 and also with 18” alloy wheels at €29,495 .
Both trims as one would expect from Kia come with a generous level of passive and active safety equipment. The new Optima features an all-new body shell incorporating a large percentage of ultra high-tensile steel and advanced structural engineering techniques that have proven their safety performance in numerous Kia models - enabling them to achieve a five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Every Optima comes with a four wheel disc braking system supported by ABS (anti-lock braking ), ESC (electronic stability control ), and VSM (vehicle stability management ) systems as standard.
To alert other motorists to emergency braking manoeuvres ESS (emergency stop system ) is also fitted. Every Optima is also fitted with front, side, and curtain airbags, plus front seat ‘active’ head restraints to minimize whiplash injuries.
As with all Kia models sold in Europe, the newcomer will be offered to consumers with the manufacturer’s unique seven-year/ 150,000 km Kia Warranty, which is fully transferrable to subsequent owners.
