Kia New Zealand has launched the feature-packed fourth generation Optima in Auckland today, taking on the successful Mazda6 and VW Passat.
Featuring a wide range of technologies as standard, the base EX model is priced from $45,790, while the top of the range Limited 2.4 GDi comes in only slightly higher at $48,990.
While Kia hopes the EX model will be a hit with fleet buyers due to a Euro NCAP five star safety rating and 8.3 L/100km combined fuel economy rating, it also ships with a wide range of standard features compared to the rest of the medium sedan segment.
There are 18in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, new headlights, and lane departure warning are all exclusive to the Optima within the segment; while Autonomous emergency brakes, satellite navigation, and a smart key are shared with just a handful of direct competitors.
“New Optima is intended to be an evolution of the current design,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia Chief Design Officer.
“It continues to advance the Kia profile. You can see it and feel it in the sophisticated materials.”
The new Optima is a handsome vehicle, with a sleek design that not only looks appealing, but has reduced the car’s coefficient of drag to just 0.27.
Kia has retained the same 138kw 2.4-litre (138kW/241Nm) engine across both models. When Driven asked why the 2.0-litre turbo engine was not an option Kia NZ’s managing director, Todd McDonald, noted that it was a matter of ease of ownership, with the 2-litre requiring a much higher level of servicing than the 2.4-litre.
The Limited model, while visually nearly identical to the EX features a much higher specification, with full leather interior, optional sunroof, and premium 10 speaker Harman/ Kardon entertainment system with larger 8 inch touch screen control versus the 7 inch found in the EX.
The all-new Optima is on sale now.
