Kia Optima Magentis K5 Third generation
 | |
| Also called | Kia K5 (South Korea, China, Indonesia) Kia Optima K5 (Malaysia) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2010-present |
| Assembly | West Point, Georgia, USA Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto) |
| Engine | 1.7 L U2 I4 CRDi turbo diesel 136hp 2.0 L Theta II I4 163hp 2.0 L Theta II GDI I4 (turbo) 274hp 2.4 L Theta II I4 178hp 2.4 L Theta II GDI I4 200hp 2.0L Nu CVVL |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,795 mm (110.0 in) |
| Length | 4,845 mm (190.7 in) |
| Width | 1,835 mm (72.2 in) |
| Height | 1,455 mm (57.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,391–1,411 kg (3,070–3,110 lb) 1,535 kg (3,380 lb) (Turbo) 1,583 kg (3,490 lb) (Hybrid) |
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As with its Hyundai Sonata sibling, the Optima's lineup has been replaced with a universal GDI 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, either mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Eco dash display, or to a 6-speed manual transmission that is only standard on the LX model. Sales began in Fall 2010. The new K5 was released in the South Korean market on April 29, 2010.
The new Optima retains its trim lines of the base LX, upscale EX, and sporty SX models. Standard equipment includes safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, cooled glove box, iPod connectivity, and handsfree Bluetooth phone operation. Starting in October, on LX models, Kia will offer the UVO infotainment system by Microsoft as part of the convenience package. EX model options include Kia's new UVO infotainment system by Microsoft, integrated backup camera, and Proximity Key with Push-Button Start. A panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system are also available. SX models add a rear spoiler, metal pedals, black hybrid metal and carbon insert trim, paddle shifters, and illuminated scuff plates.
A Hybrid model and a Turbo model have already been released. In addition, a wagon version will hit European markets, and two-door coupe version may arrive in the U.S. at a later date. The turbo model will have the same powertrain as the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The turbocharged model will have 274 hp (204 kW) and 269 lb·ft (365 N·m) of torque in the North American model. The car is estimated to obtain 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) on the highway.
The third generation Kia Optima is built and manufactured in West Point, Georgia which began in 2011 with the 2012 model.
In Australia, the new Optima went on sale in January 2011. Initially available in only one grade, the highly specified "Platinum", it was later joined by an entry-level "Si" model in the 2012 model year. Both models feature a 2.4L GDI engine with 6-speed automatic. A manual is not offered.
The facelifted 2014 model was unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March.
Reception
In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Optima came in third place out of six cars behind the first place Volkswagen Passat and the second place Honda Accord.
Engines
| Model | Engine type | Power, torque@rpm | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel engines | |||
| 1.7 CRDi | 1,685 cc (102.8 cu in) I4 U2 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 4000 rpm 33.7 kg·m (330 N·m; 244 lb·ft) @ 2000-2500 rpm | Europe |
| Petrol engines | |||
| 2.0 MPI | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 Theta II | 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) @ 6200 rpm 20.2 kg·m (198 N·m; 146 lb·ft) @ 4600 rpm | Europe and Middle East |
| 2.4 MPI | 2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II | 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @ 6000 rpm 23.6 kg·m (231 N·m; 171 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm | Europe, Middle East and South Africa |
| 2.0L Turbo | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) I4 turbo Theta II | 274 hp (204 kW; 278 PS) @ 6000 rpm 269 lbf·ft (365 N·m) @ 1750 rpm | North America |
| 2.4L GDI | 2,359 cc (144.0 cu in) I4 Theta II | 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) @ 6300 rpm 186 lbf·ft (252 N·m) @ 4250 rpm | North America, Australia |
Hybrid version
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and was launched in the U.S. market in November 2011. During its first month in the market sold 524 units. Considering cumulative sales in the U.S. market through December 2011, with 19,672 units sold, together the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia Optima Hybrid ranked second in hybrid sales for calendar year 2011, after the Toyota Prius.
The Optima Hybrid uses the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 30kW electric motor and lightweight lithium polymer batteries to produce a full gasoline-electric hybrid with an estimated 37 miles per US gallon (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp) city and 39 miles per US gallon (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg-imp) highway.The Optima Hybrid is able to travel up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in full electric mode, which helps it stand apart from many competitors. Korean and European markets will get the Optima Hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
There are no externally apparent features that differentiate it from the Kia Optima except for the hybrid badge, different wheel discs, a lowered ride height by approximately 1 inch (25 mm), and special light platinum graphite paint color. It also has active cooling vents behind the grille, allowing the car to redirect airflow to the electric motor and its components when the gas engine's heat levels allow (such as when the car is operating in total electric, or before the gas engine is fully warmed up).
In September 2011, the Optima Hybrid set a Guinness World Record for "Lowest Fuel Consumption in a Hybrid Gasoline Vehicle" while driving across the continental United States for 14 days, starting from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia. In its 7,899-mile drive across the 48 states, the car recorded an average of 64.55 miles per gallon while consuming a total of five and a half tanks of gasoline. In order to qualify for the record, the car had two people and luggage throughout the entire trip.
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