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OPTIMAL STYLE: Better looking than a German compact executive sedan? Probably…
VW’s worst nightmare will be revealed at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show in October.
As part of its apparently bottomless product offensive, Kia's new Optima will be on display at the South Korean auto giant’s stand.
NEW D-SEGMENT LEADER
The new (third-generation) Optima, sporting master designer Peter Schreyer’s signature stylised grille and ‘floating’ Kia badge, is a striking car, with a 75mm greater wheelbase which equals a better ride.
With its clamshell bonnet/grille shutline profile, stark flanks and Q5/Maserati GranTursimo-like tail lights and boot shutline, Kia’s new Optima has the measure of pretty much any other sedan in the premium D-segment.
EASY 200km/h+
Despite final specification not yet finalised as yet for the South African market (the Optima should be at local dealer by the first quarter of 2012), there’s a promise of (very) generous equipment levels. Climatic seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a nine cm TFT infotainment display, leather trim and a host of other comfort and convenience items are available in the Optima’s global marketing option matrix.
Both the 2.0 (121kW/198Nm) and 2.4 (132kW/231Nm) engines can power new Optima to 200km/h+ and each will reach 100km/h in less than 10sec, shifting courtesy of a six-speed manual transmission.
David Sieff, Kia SA’s national marketing manager, is understandably bullish about the newcomer.He asserted: “The Optima will challenge German brands currently dominating this segment and provide buyers with an alternative when shopping for a luxurious mid-sized sedan."
Read more reports about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
As part of its apparently bottomless product offensive, Kia's new Optima will be on display at the South Korean auto giant’s stand.
NEW D-SEGMENT LEADER
The new (third-generation) Optima, sporting master designer Peter Schreyer’s signature stylised grille and ‘floating’ Kia badge, is a striking car, with a 75mm greater wheelbase which equals a better ride.
With its clamshell bonnet/grille shutline profile, stark flanks and Q5/Maserati GranTursimo-like tail lights and boot shutline, Kia’s new Optima has the measure of pretty much any other sedan in the premium D-segment.
EASY 200km/h+
Despite final specification not yet finalised as yet for the South African market (the Optima should be at local dealer by the first quarter of 2012), there’s a promise of (very) generous equipment levels. Climatic seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a nine cm TFT infotainment display, leather trim and a host of other comfort and convenience items are available in the Optima’s global marketing option matrix.
Both the 2.0 (121kW/198Nm) and 2.4 (132kW/231Nm) engines can power new Optima to 200km/h+ and each will reach 100km/h in less than 10sec, shifting courtesy of a six-speed manual transmission.
David Sieff, Kia SA’s national marketing manager, is understandably bullish about the newcomer.He asserted: “The Optima will challenge German brands currently dominating this segment and provide buyers with an alternative when shopping for a luxurious mid-sized sedan."
Read more reports about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
