(South Africa) September 26, 2011 – After making its World Debut at this year’s New York Motor Show in April, the all new Kia Optima, together with the new Rio, was unveiled by Kia at this year Johannesburg International Motor Show.
“With the all-new Optima, our global design team, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has created a truly unique vehicle with distinctive dimensions and proportions to challenge the D-segment. The Optima will challenge brands currently dominating this segment, and provide consumers with an alternative, when shopping for a luxurious mid size sedan”, comments Zian van Heerden, Sales Director: Kia Motors SA.
Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Optima features a significantly longer wheelbase (up by 75 mm) and will offer much more space for people and cargo. New Optima is significantly sleeker than the previous model, with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.29 (down from 0.32 ) – enhancing refinement, performance and fuel economy.
Kia’s product concept behind the creation of new Optima had focused on four key areas. Stand-out styling – a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior, highly competitive performance – down-sized but more efficient engines with six-speed transmissions, superior packaging – new, longer wheelbase platform and advanced features – high-tech options to boost Optima’s status and Kia’s brand identity.
The new Kia Optima will be launched to the local South African public early in 2012, upon which final specification levels will be confirmed.
