Kia Optima Outscores the Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Test

The redesigned Kia Optima outpointed the high-selling Honda Accord in a face-off between the two family sedans conducted by Consumer Reports. The Optima now ranks among the top 10 of all four-cylinder family sedans tested by the organization.

The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi. The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR’s testing. Both vehicles achieved “Very Good” overall scores.

Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, in that order.

Kia’s Optima drew praise from Consumer Reports’ engineers for its handling, transmission, controls, fuel economy (25 mpg overall in CR’s own tests) and its crash-test results. Its lows included road noise, low rear-seat height, and limited rear visibility.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Kia Optima Outscores the Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Test

The redesigned Kia Optima outpointed the high-selling Honda Accord in a face-off between the two family sedans conducted by Consumer Reports. The Optima now ranks among the top 10 of all four-cylinder family sedans tested by the organization.

The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi. The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR’s testing. Both vehicles achieved “Very Good” overall scores.

Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, in that order.

Kia’s Optima drew praise from Consumer Reports’ engineers for its handling, transmission, controls, fuel economy (25 mpg overall in CR’s own tests) and its crash-test results. Its lows included road noise, low rear-seat height, and limited rear visibility.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Kia Optima Outscores the Honda Accord in Consumer Reports Test

The redesigned Kia Optima outpointed the high-selling Honda Accord in a face-off between the two family sedans conducted by Consumer Reports. The Optima now ranks among the top 10 of all four-cylinder family sedans tested by the organization.

The Optima now ranks sixth among the four-cylinder family sedans tested by Consumer Reports, ahead of the Honda Accord and behind the Suzuki Kizashi. The Optima edged out the Accord by just one point in CR’s testing. Both vehicles achieved “Very Good” overall scores.

Top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, in that order.

Kia’s Optima drew praise from Consumer Reports’ engineers for its handling, transmission, controls, fuel economy (25 mpg overall in CR’s own tests) and its crash-test results. Its lows included road noise, low rear-seat height, and limited rear visibility.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Kia Recalls 70,000 Units of 2006-2008 Optima Over Rollaway Concerns

Kia Motors is recalling 70,000 units of the 2006-08 Optima over concerns some shift cables were improperly assembled, which could allow parked vehicles to roll away.

In March 2007, Kia identified certain Optima vehicles had been manufactured with the shift cable connection improperly attached to the shifter assembly and changed its manufacturing procedures to improve installation. In June 2007, Kia added positioning clips in vehicles produced to ensure correct assembly. KMA issued bulletins in August 2007 to advise service technicians how to reconnect the shift cable in case they were presented with a vehicle which had a disconnected cable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into rollaway concerns on the 2007 Optima in November. NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to select and engage the gears — park, drive and reverse — in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. One of the complaints also reported a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.

As a result, Kia conducted a new evaluation of technical and field data regarding cable detachment issues and "concluded that this condition has not been creating real world safety incidents. However, it has concluded that under extraordinary circumstances a significant vehicle rolling event could potentially occur and has thus decided to conduct a recall," the company said.

Kia will notify owners later this month. The recall covers 70,115 Optima vehicles assembled between September 2005 and June 2007. Dealers will reinspect the shift cable and replace if necessary.

Kia Recalls 70,000 Units of 2006-2008 Optima Over Rollaway Concerns

Kia Motors is recalling 70,000 units of the 2006-08 Optima over concerns some shift cables were improperly assembled, which could allow parked vehicles to roll away.

In March 2007, Kia identified certain Optima vehicles had been manufactured with the shift cable connection improperly attached to the shifter assembly and changed its manufacturing procedures to improve installation. In June 2007, Kia added positioning clips in vehicles produced to ensure correct assembly. KMA issued bulletins in August 2007 to advise service technicians how to reconnect the shift cable in case they were presented with a vehicle which had a disconnected cable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into rollaway concerns on the 2007 Optima in November. NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to select and engage the gears — park, drive and reverse — in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. One of the complaints also reported a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.

As a result, Kia conducted a new evaluation of technical and field data regarding cable detachment issues and "concluded that this condition has not been creating real world safety incidents. However, it has concluded that under extraordinary circumstances a significant vehicle rolling event could potentially occur and has thus decided to conduct a recall," the company said.

Kia will notify owners later this month. The recall covers 70,115 Optima vehicles assembled between September 2005 and June 2007. Dealers will reinspect the shift cable and replace if necessary.

Kia Recalls 70,000 Units of 2006-2008 Optima Over Rollaway Concerns

Kia Motors is recalling 70,000 units of the 2006-08 Optima over concerns some shift cables were improperly assembled, which could allow parked vehicles to roll away.

In March 2007, Kia identified certain Optima vehicles had been manufactured with the shift cable connection improperly attached to the shifter assembly and changed its manufacturing procedures to improve installation. In June 2007, Kia added positioning clips in vehicles produced to ensure correct assembly. KMA issued bulletins in August 2007 to advise service technicians how to reconnect the shift cable in case they were presented with a vehicle which had a disconnected cable.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into rollaway concerns on the 2007 Optima in November. NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to select and engage the gears — park, drive and reverse — in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. One of the complaints also reported a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle.

As a result, Kia conducted a new evaluation of technical and field data regarding cable detachment issues and "concluded that this condition has not been creating real world safety incidents. However, it has concluded that under extraordinary circumstances a significant vehicle rolling event could potentially occur and has thus decided to conduct a recall," the company said.

Kia will notify owners later this month. The recall covers 70,115 Optima vehicles assembled between September 2005 and June 2007. Dealers will reinspect the shift cable and replace if necessary.

2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-Star Rating from NHTSA

The 2011 Kia Optima has already made a splash in the midsize sedan market with its far-from-bland looks. It turns out that Kia’s midsizer has some substance to its style: it was already rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has now received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTSA’s frontal impact, side impact, and rollover tests – the highest possible score from the government agency. This marks the first time a Korean-built car has received the top rating under NHTSA’s more stringent testing methods that went into effect for the 2011 model year. Joining the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Mazda 6, the Optima now sits at the top its class in terms of safety.

Click here for the official press release.

[Source: NHTSA/Kia]

2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-Star Rating from NHTSA

The 2011 Kia Optima has already made a splash in the midsize sedan market with its far-from-bland looks. It turns out that Kia’s midsizer has some substance to its style: it was already rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has now received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTSA’s frontal impact, side impact, and rollover tests – the highest possible score from the government agency. This marks the first time a Korean-built car has received the top rating under NHTSA’s more stringent testing methods that went into effect for the 2011 model year. Joining the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Mazda 6, the Optima now sits at the top its class in terms of safety.

Click here for the official press release.

[Source: NHTSA/Kia]

2011 Kia Optima Earns Five-Star Rating from NHTSA

The 2011 Kia Optima has already made a splash in the midsize sedan market with its far-from-bland looks. It turns out that Kia’s midsizer has some substance to its style: it was already rated a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has now received a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Optima earned a five star rating in each of NHTSA’s frontal impact, side impact, and rollover tests – the highest possible score from the government agency. This marks the first time a Korean-built car has received the top rating under NHTSA’s more stringent testing methods that went into effect for the 2011 model year. Joining the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Mazda 6, the Optima now sits at the top its class in terms of safety.

Click here for the official press release.

[Source: NHTSA/Kia]

Kia Releases Blake Griffin Dunking Over Kia Optima Commercial (w/VIDEO)

If you’ve been watching any ESPN lately, you know you can’t go a day without seeing LA Clipper’s Blake Griffin and his famous dunk over a 2011 Kia Optima. While we thought the dunk was pretty lame (since all Blake really did was jumping over the hood) and somewhat of a marketing gimmick (since Kia is the official sponsor of the NBA), Kia is milking the event for all it’s worth.

Kia has just released a new commercial showing Blake’s ‘I believe I can fly’ dunk in super slow motion. Watch the video after the jump.

Kia's "One Epic Ride" Super Bowl Ad a Success [w/VIDEO]

[Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Optima Earns an Edmunds' InsideLine.com Editors' Most Wanted Award

Our friends over at Edmunds' InsideLine.com recently named the new 2011 Kia Optima as an "Editors' Most Wanted" Award winner. The Optima was one of six vehicles to receive the accolade and the only mid-size sedan to be honoured.

The 2011 Kia Optima has been receiving much adulation from the media since its unveiling and the editors of Inside Line were no different, praising the car for its "comfortable cabin, excellent mileage and plenty of features." In the review of the vehicle, Inside Line called the Optima "an affordable family car that looks, feels and drives a class higher."

The other five cars that received the recognition were the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Honda Odyssey, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (which also won the 'Instant Classic' award).

"The Edmunds' Inside Line 'Editors' Most Wanted(SM)' Award winners are chosen for one simple reason: They're the cars, trucks, and vans that we like the best," said Ed Hellwig, Editor of InsideLine.com. "'Editors' Most Wanted' winners are the cars that we remember the most even after hundreds of test drives. These are cars that we'd buy for ourselves and highly recommend to our friends and family."

The Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Awards are awarded annually to six vehicles based on the votes of 11 Edmunds' Inside Line editors. Every car and truck for sale in the United States is eligible for the "Editors' Most Wanted" award if tested by Edmunds' Inside Line by December 1st.

[Source: Edmunds.com/Image Source: Edmunds-Inside Line]

Kia Goes Full Force with Marketing for 2011 Optima

What do the Super Bowl, Times Square, and NBA arenas have in common? They are all places where you will find the 2011 Kia Optima. This New Years, look for the 40 foot by 20 foot digital billboard in Times Square advertising the all new Kia Optima. During the Super Bowl this year, look for the Kia Optima to be promoted in those famous ads which run during time outs and other station breaks. If you are a fan of the NBA, look for the Kia Optima in basketball arenas across the United States.

The Times Square billboard is expected to be seen by more than 1 million people every day. According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, "The Optima has been turning heads since its unveiling earlier this year, and its striking good looks will be right at home under the bright lights of Times Square beginning on New Year's Eve and continuing well into 2011."

[Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Optima Named Top Safety Pick by IIHS

Read the full article at Newswire.ca

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Unveiled: LA 2010

Kia has unveiled the 2011 Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently.

Created specifically for the U.S. market, the car features a full parallel hybrid system which consists of a 168 PS (124 kW / 166 hp) 2.4-liter petrol engine and a 30 kW (41 PS / 40 hp) electric motor. All told, the two can work together to produce a combined 209 PS (154 kW / 206 hp) and 265 Nm (194 lb-ft) of torque.

This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h). More importantly, fuel consumption is expected to be 36 mpg city / 40 mpg highway (US).

To get these impressive features, Kia engineers optimized the petrol engine and installed a 34 kW lithium-ion battery which enables the hybrid to operate in EV mode at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

On the styling front, the Hybrid is distinguished by a reduced ride height (lowered 5mm), a revised grille, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires.

No word on pricing, but look for the Optima Hybrid to start arriving at U.S. dealerships early next year.

2011 Kia Optima: Hi-Res Image Gallery (New Images!)

CLICK HERE for our comprehensive post on the 2011 Kia Optima!

READ MORE for more hi-res images of the 2011 Kia Optima!

2011 Kia Optima Officially Launched in the US

For hi-res images of the 2011 Kia Optima, CLICK HERE.

PRESS RELEASE: ALL–NEW 2011 KIA OPTIMA CRUISES DOWN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Midsize Sedan Offers High Level of Style and Performance Features

- Three all–new powertrains, including turbo and Kia's first–ever hybrid offer increase in power and fuel economy
- Long list of premium amenities and technology features

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 21, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today officially launched the all–new 2011 Optima midsize sedan, first seen during the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Set to arrive in retail showrooms in early fall, the next generation Optima continues Kia's design–led transformation while revealing a completely new and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle. Optima's groundbreaking spirit continues under the hood and inside the cabin with the introduction of three new powertrains – including the brand's first–ever hybrid in the U.S. (available in 2011) – which is expected to deliver an increase in power and fuel economy while offering the latest technology features and luxury amenities.

Designed at Kia's studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, Calif., the all–new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based on an all–new midsize platform that allowed for distinctive dimensions and proportions while also providing a unique canvas for Kia's global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in that segment.

The all–new Optima also employs engine management systems like direct injection and turbocharging to help bring performance to the brand without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Its smooth–flowing lines speak of grace and style and offer a strong hint of European luxury...

READ MORE for the full official press release, complete with specs and equipment details!

[Source: Kia Motors America]

For hi-res images of the 2011 Kia Optima, CLICK HERE.


Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

The 2011 Optima projects a high–performance yet elegant image with its unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors' philosophy of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The striking face of Optima features Kia's signature bold tabbed grille that is surrounded by projector headlamps. Longer, wider and lower than before, Optima's coupe–like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Optima's roofline connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers numerous standard features. The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16–inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires. Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body–color door handles along with 17–inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires, while the EX Turbo adds a unique front grille design. Moving up to the athletic SX adds HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, black front brake calipers and 18–inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.

For hi-res images of the 2011 Kia Optima, CLICK HERE.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

From the moment the door opens, Optima presents an immediate sense of a driver's car. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel convey that Optima is built for people who are passionate about cars. A high console with a short shifter adds to the cockpit perception while an available panoramic sunroof provides an open–air feeling. Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of standard convenience features, the sedan's chic cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat design and effective storage throughout. Modern standard features such as a six–way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated vanity mirrors with a ticket holder and a trip computer further expand the cabin's luxurious qualities.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service1 . Also standard on all trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players2 and Bluetooth®3 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel–mounted voice activation controls to enable hands–free operation for compatible mobile phones.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and a cooling glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split–folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs. Optima LX with automatic transmission features cruise control and an active system for optimal fuel efficient driving.

Optima EX comes well–equipped and offers premium standard features, including the UVO powered by Microsoft®4 hands–free in–car entertainment and communication system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year) with rear–view camera, push button–start ignition with smart key, dual–zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, a leather–wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto–dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®5 and compass, auto light control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and an eight–way power driver's seat, illuminated glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and chrome door handles. Moving to the EX Turbo also adds wood interior trim with metal accents for a more luxurious feel.

For consumers looking for even more sporty appeal, the Optima SX adds unique black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film, Supervisionâ„¢ meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.

For those who seek the latest superior quality technology and convenience features for a modern and comfortable driving experience, the 2011 Optima offers a multitude of packages for each trim. The Convenience Package (LX A/T only), offers an eight–way power–adjustable driver's seat and auto–dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, while the LX Technology Package (with Convenience Package) adds the navigation system with back–up camera, an eight–speaker Infinity®6 premium audio system and dual–zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation.

Moving to the already well–equipped EX trim consumers can opt for the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic sunroof with high–gloss B–pillar, four–way power–adjustable driver's seat with driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim and center console and metal–finished shifter. The EX Technology Package (with Premium Package) adds the navigation system with back–up camera and eight–speaker Infinity premium audio system.

All–New Advanced Platform

The 2011 Optima is distinctive, right down to its all–new platform. Optima's low, lean and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of 190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model. Optima is built on a platform with an overall width of 72.1 inches and wheelbase of 110 inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches for enhanced aerodynamics. Optima's lightweight design uses high–tensile–strength steel to enhance structural strength while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the Optima.

Built on a unibody frame, the front–wheel–drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi–link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs and front anti–roll bars to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Class–Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines

The 2011 Optima is available in three all–new and fuel–efficient Theta II powerplants, a 2.4–liter GDI four–cylinder, a 2.0–liter GDI turbo or a 2.4–liter hybrid engine. The 2.4–liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower7 and upgrading to the available 2.0–liter turbo GDI engine (EX Turbo and SX models) delivers V6–type power with a four–cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower, while mated to a six–speed automatic transmission. This represents Kia's first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4–liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011. All automatics feature Sportmatic® clutchless shifting. A single six–speed manual transmission is available only with the LX four–cylinder model.

In addition to impressive performance, both engines also offer consumer–friendly fuel economy. The 2.4–liter four–cylinder posts 24/35 mpg (city/highway) when mated to the manual transmission and 24/34 mpg when coupled with the automatic transmission, while the 2.0–liter turbo GDI offers 22/34 mpg, only available with the automatic transmission.

Safety–Minded

The 2011 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line–up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front–seat mounted side as well as full–length side curtain), front active headrests, side–impact door beams, height–adjustable front seatbelts with pre–tensioners, three–point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four–wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Competitive Warranty

The 2011 Optima is covered by KMA's warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10–year/100,000–mile limited powertrain warranty, a five–year/60,000–mile limited basic warranty and a five–year/100,000–mile anti–perforation warranty. A five–year/60,000–mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design–led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as the UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced hands–free in–car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year). The launches of the all–new 2011 Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled8 at Kia's first U.S.–based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, and all–new 2011 Sportage compact CUV, further enhance the lineup, and are both available in retail showrooms.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 700 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line–up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Kia Considering a Magentis Estate for Europe

According to British publication Autocar, Kia is planning to roll out an estate version of the all-new Magentis (K5/Optima) sedan for the European market.

Unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show in April, the new mid-size sedan from Kia will drop the "Magentis" moniker for the European market, according to Kia. In South Korea, the car is called "K5" while in North America, it is known as "Optima".

A Kia source revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the US.”

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Spied: 2011 Kia Optima/K5 (TF)

Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates.

Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model.

Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza.

As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.

Continue reading to view more spy shots of the K5.

Sales: Kia Posts Increases for September (USA)

Kia Motors America announced Thursday that its U.S. sales in September surged 24.4 percent over the year-earlier levels. Sales in September rose to 21,623 units from the 17,383 posted in September 2008. Year to date, the company's U.S. sales climbed 4.6 percent to 238,570.

Last month's top seller for Kia was the Optima mid-size sedan, as volumes jumped last month to 5,986 from 1,905. The automaker's new Forte compact sedan sold 4,449 units. The Soul and Rio also sold well with 2,459 and 2,811 units respectively. On the other side of the spectrum, sales of the Spectra plunged to 462 from 3,878, while Sorento volumes dropped to 854 units from 3,163 and Rondo sales fell to 653 from 2,642.

Kia is anticipating its sales momentum to continue rising over the next few months, as it is undergoing a substantial brand revitalization. New models in the pipeline include the redesigned 2011 Sorento, assembled at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant, an all-new Optima (TF), and the premium "VG" sedan set to launch next year.

[Source: Forbes & Kia]

Read more for the complete sales chart