“ With our new saloon, we have created a product that people previously would not have expected from Kia and that’s exactly what we set out to
achieve”
PETER SCHREYER, KIA’S CHIEF
DESIGN OFFICER
It’s not just its lines that have been designed to be effi cient. In the UK, the Optima has been confi gured to appeal to the business community – it goes on sale with just one engine: a new 134bhp version of Kia’s acclaimed 1.7 litre CRDi turbodiesel, which has been developed with high-pressure common- rail fuel injection for maximum effi ciency and a variable geometry turbocharger to enhance low-speed driveability, while ensuring strong top-end power for high motorway speeds. There’s also a choice in all but the entry grade model of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with manual versions featuring Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving, CO2
-reducing
measures, such as Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG). The result is CO2
and near-60mpg fuel economy. Automatics emissions as low as 128 g/km
have CO2
emissions of 158 g/km and have an Active ECO button which alters the operation of the climate control system as well as the engine and transmission management systems bringing potential fuel savings of more than nine per cent in real-life motoring.
MAKING THE GRADE
The simplicity of the range makes it easy for fl eet managers to place it within existing choice lists, and ensures the used market gets consistent product, which results in strong residual values. The Optima comes in ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ trim grades, while mid-range versions offer buyers the option of stylish ‘2 Luxe’ or more technology-focused ‘2 Tech’ trim and equipment. Yet within that simplicity, there is a high level of specifi cation. The Optima is
available with premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, a reversing camera integrated into the rear-view mirror or 7” Sat Nav touchscreen, a premium 12-speaker 550 watt Infi nity sound system, a parallel park assist system, 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated driver’s seat or smart key with Start/Stop ignition button. All models have air conditioning, alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, dual projection headlights, cornering lights, Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming, electrically folding door mirrors, driver’s seat power lumbar support, all-round electric windows and cruise control. The Optima comes with Kia’s fully- transferable 7 year/100,000 mile warranty making it a compelling fl eet proposition. ■