KIA OPTIMA

Kia Optima

Kenya will early next year receive a new member in its automobile society; the new Kia Optima. For a company that until recently was making low performance, ugly and pointless saloon the Optima is a revelation of the huge leap Kia has taken in both automobile design and performance. It such a charmer I bet it will have quite a huge following when it lands in Kenya next year. 

Side view

So what is it really? Let me start from it exterior design. It has Kia's bold signature grille that is flanked by projector headlamps. Its coupe-like profile is boosted by sweeping chrome arc that flows from the front to the rear. The coupe roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its sculpted side and the extended (2795 mm) wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a steeply sloping rear window create a saloon with a graceful muscular stance.

Roomy interior

The standard optima will come with numerous standard exterior features including dual exhausts, solar glass and indicators on the wing mirrors. Depending on the trim level, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, exterior chrome or body-colour door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels. If you order one with higher trim levels it comes with HID headlights with auto levelling, LED rear lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels. 

Rear of the Kia Optima

Under the bonnet are choices of either a 2.0 litre CVVL petrol engine or a 1.7 litre engines VGT turbo-diesel. There is also a 2.4 litre MPI engine that produces 180 hp. Merged to the engine is a six speed automatic or manual transmission system. Kenya will most likely get the Theta II family engines that have an output of 280 hp. However details of the specific engine will be out soon. 

Front look

Inside the Optima the interior has been designed with the driver in mind. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel, with precise gauges and controls for an overall sporty performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. It also has Paddle shifters in the automatic version located behind the steering wheel.

Front seats

The optional glass panoramic sunroof will gives the interior an open-air feeling. Modern standard features such as six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors and a trip computer will further expand the cabin's luxurious qualities. In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features come standard throughout.

Rear view

They include a high quality 'Dimension' audio system with AM/FM/CD and MP3 compatibility with eight speakers. Auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls. 

Optional Panoramic roof

Interior comfort and convenience will be enhanced with available features that include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an air-conditioned glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers a versatile cargo capacity. Automatic transmission versions of the Optima have cruise control and an 'Active Eco System' indicator to assist with fuel efficient driving.

Rear Seats

Other available premium features are push-button start with smart key, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There is also an auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way powered driver's seat, illuminated glove box, rear reading lamps and chrome door handles.

Automatic gear transmission system

It also has a black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film and metal trim. There is also supervision instrument cluster with LCD display, centre fascia and gauges, alloy foot pedals and illuminated door scuff plates. Available upgrades will also include a powered panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver's seat and a heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.

Side slits

Concerning safety equipment the Kia Optima has six airbags (dual front airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, and height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. There is also three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It also comes with anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC).  

Integrated spoiler

The Kia Optima is sold by Marshals Kenya. Expect more news on the Optima soon.