Optima Brings Kia's Commitment to Safety and Value to the Midsize Segment
11/14/2007
KIA
Redesigned as a 2006.5 model, the current-generation Kia Optima returns to the midsize sedan segment in 2008 as a leader in safety, comfort and convenience. A recipient of a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star crash rating in frontal and side impact tests from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Optima continues to offer consumers the highest level of safety in the midsize sedan segment.
The 2008 Optima's distinctive styling cues include a chrome grille, tinted windshield and halogen headlamps on the outside, with a white-blue illumination theme throughout the interior to continue the sporty design. Responsive engines and driving dynamics are also part of the overall package.
Outstanding Performance
With increased horsepower and torque from the previous-generation vehicle, the Optima continues to offer improved performance with both available power plants offering impressive fuel economy.
Optima's aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 15-percent more power (162 horsepower) than the previous-generation engine. A five-speed gated automatic transmission with Sportmatic(TM) is standard on most Optima models, while a smooth shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX four-cylinder model.
Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems that have been tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience. The suspension layout uses MacPherson struts in front, 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 come standard on all models, as well as a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system to aid handling.
Optima's wider track, tuned suspension and steering system continue to provide better handling characteristics and improved performance over the previous-generation model. A longer wheelbase also enhances ride comfort and cabin room.
Contemporary and Sleek Packaging
Personifying Kia's "exciting and enabling" brand philosophy, 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 headlamps and rear tail lamps lend a modern look, while the Appearance Package includes 17-inch wheels and premium tires, a blacked-out front grille and headlamps, 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 inches) and increased overall width (71.1 inches) compared to the previous-generation model, the Optima offers a spacious interior package with an interior volume of 104.2 cubic feet, giving the sedan one of the roomiest cabins in its segment.
The 2008 Optima's trunk capacity is also significantly larger than the previous-generation model. At 14.8 cubic feet, the trunk volume represents a nearly 10-percent increase over the previous-generation vehicle.
Well-Equipped with Comfort and Convenience
Both the four-cylinder and V6 variations of the 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 power mirrors, AM/FM/CD audio system with six-speakers and new-for-2008 auxiliary audio input jack, split folding rear seats, four-wheel disc brakes and an improved 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 and audio system controls on the steering wheel. The LX V6 model includes dual exhaust outlets and alloy wheels.
All EX models feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, a sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink(R), leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, floor mats and chrome accent exterior door handles, while the EX V6 adds dual exhaust outlets.
Carrying over from 2007 is the Convenience Package, available on EX models with the Appearance Package. The Convenience Package includes a four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals and a rear manual sunshade.
Safety Comes Standard
Optima continues the realization of Kia's efforts to offer an unprecedented level of standard safety equipment in all of its vehicles, offering features such as six standard air bags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags and full-length side curtain air bags) and four-wheel disc brakes. Optima is one of the few vehicles in its class with standard full-length side curtain air bags, active front headrests and an improved-for-2008 tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Package adds even more safety features, including an antilock brake system (ABS), 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, height-adjustable 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.