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All-New 2006.5 Kia Optima Makes U.S. Debut at North American International Auto Show


January 2006
 Filed under: KIA Car News | KIA Headlines

Redesigned Sedan is Latest Embodiment of the Company's 'Exciting & Enabling' Brand Identity

DETROIT, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the all-new 2006.5 Kia Optima mid-size sedan today at the North American International Auto Show. The latest step in the complete regeneration of the Kia product line-up over the past three years, the all-new Optima combines distinctive styling with a longer wheelbase, a wider track, increased horsepower, better fuel economy and dramatically improved driving dynamics for enhanced performance and passenger comfort.
With six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags, the all-new Optima continues Kia's commitment to offering the highest level of standard safety features in all of its vehicles. Meanwhile, the Optima's longer wheelbase and increased width provide more interior volume (104.2-cubic feet) than most mid-size sedans, including segment leaders such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

"The new Optima is the latest example of Kia's unique ability to deliver stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that provide a high level of comfort, convenience and safety at a reasonable price," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America, Inc. "The original Optima sedan was a value leader in the segment, and the significant improvements in performance and handling and generous passenger space are sure to attract new consumers to the Kia brand."

The 2006.5 Optima is the latest in a long line of new product introductions from Kia. In the past three years Kia has aggressively expanded its product offerings to include new products such as the Rio and Rio5 subcompacts, the Sportage compact SUV, the Spectra sedan and Spectra5 five-door, the Sorento mid-size SUV and the Amanti large premium sedan.

A Distinctive, Modern Look

Personifying Kia's "exciting and enabling" brand objectives, the all-new Optima's exterior styling employs short overhangs and sporty details -- such as the V6 model's dual exhausts -- to project a strong presence. Circular design elements within the headlights and rear taillamps lend a modern look, while a new Appearance Package includes 17-inch wheels and Michelin tires, a blacked-out front grille and headlights, aluminum interior trim and Supervision meter cluster for a sportier and more aggressive tone. Furthering its athletic attitude, the Appearance Package for EX models adds black interior trim accents and black leather seats.

Built on a new platform with a longer wheelbase (107.1 in.) and increased overall width (71.1 in.) compared to its predecessor, the new Optima offers a spacious interior package:

* With an interior volume of 104.2 cubic feet, the Optima has one of the roomiest cabins in its segment, with more interior space than the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Mazda6. * The 2006.5 Optima's trunk capacity is significantly larger than before. At 14.8 cubic feet, the trunk volume represents a nearly 10-percent increase over the previous-generation vehicle.

Inside, the new Optima's refinements include the use of improved materials and the continuation of the sporty exterior design with a white-blue illumination theme throughout.

Safety Comes Standard

The all-new Optima is the latest realization of Kia's efforts to offer an unprecedented level of standard safety equipment in all of its vehicles.

* The all-new Optima features six standard air bags, including dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags. * Optima is one of the only vehicles in its class with standard full-length side curtain air bags, active front headrests and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). * The 2006.5 Optima comes equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) available as an option.

An optional package adds even more safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist System (BAS).

Additional standard safety features include: front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and dual Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety seat anchors for the rear outboard seats.

Improved Performance

With increased horsepower and torque from the previous-generation vehicle, the all-new Optima offers improved performance and both available powerplants offer improved fuel economy, bettering much of the competition.

* Optima's all-new aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 15-percent more power (161-horsepower) than the previous-generation engine. The Optima's four-cylinder output surpasses the base four-cylinder engines from the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu. * The Optima's V6 engine offers a horsepower increase of nearly 10-percent (185-horsepower) and provides better fuel economy than the standard V6 engines from the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. * A new five-speed gated automatic transmission with Sportmatic(TM) is standard on most Optima models. An improved, smoother shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX four-cylinder model. Blending Ride Comfort With Dynamic Performance Befitting its nimble appearance, the all-new Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems that have been tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience. * Optima's suspension layout uses MacPherson struts in front with coil springs; and the rear's multi-link with coil springs helps provide a healthy balance between a comfortable ride and responsive handling. * Front and rear anti-roll bars are standard on all Optima models. Aiding handling is a precise rack-and-pinion steering system. * Optima's wider track, tuned suspension and steering system provide better handling characteristics and improved performance over the previous-generation Optima. A longer wheelbase also enhances ride comfort.

More Comfort & Convenience Than Ever Before

Occupant safety, as well as a long list of standard convenience features is one of the defining qualities of Kia's recent wave of new products. The all-new Optima was engineered to provide a quiet cabin environment that would compliment the vehicle's improved performance and handling characteristics.

Both the four-cylinder and V6 variations of the all-new Optima are available in two trim levels: LX and EX. All models offer a generous list of standard features inside and out, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated outside mirrors, six-way adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD audio system with six-speakers, split folding rear seats, four-wheel disc brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The LX four-cylinder model with automatic transmission comes equipped with cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, audio system controls on the steering wheel and floor mats. The LX V6 model includes dual exhausts and alloy wheels.

All EX models feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, Infinity AM/FM/Cassette/CD/MP3 audio system, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, metal door scuff plates and chrome accent outside door handles, while the EX V6 adds dual exhausts.

An optional Leather Package for EX models includes leather seat trim, power front passenger seat, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals and a rear window manual sunshade -- a first for Kia.

Like all vehicles sold by Kia Motors America, the 2006.5 Optima will be covered by Kia's comprehensive 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.

The all-new Optima is built at Kia's Hwasung manufacturing facility in South Korea, and will be available in showrooms in Spring 2006. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Source: Kia Motors America

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