Next generation Kia Optima to showcase confident new design direction
World premiere to be held at 2010 New York Motor Show

(SEOUL) March 14, 2010 – The next generation Kia Optima (currently, also known as 'Magentis' in some markets) is set to make its world premiere next month at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

"The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that's exactly what we set out to achieve."

The Optima exudes an athletic confidence from every angle and shutline – its raked roofline, the high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by boldly flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular and self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.

Spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima's intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines this newfound poise and presence.

"The Optima embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."

The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International Auto Show will take place on April 1, 2010 from 10:10-10:35 a.m. at the Kia Stand on Level 1 of the 'Jacob Javits Center' located between 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

 

looks like it's a serious midsize sedan competitor.

 

ugh the front is VERY ungainly...

What's going on with Kia's designs?

 

Looks great to me!

 

At least it's not as bland looking as the Optimas before it. I say it's great considering it's KIA.

 

what an improvement.

 

add both 2.0 and 2.4 GDI. that would be awesome.

holy smokes. this got to be the best looking kia ever by far.

folks, that's a 18k car!! they have to charge more for this. way way more for this. add a v6 and charge 30k.

 

i like the fact hyundai/kia is bringing out two very differently designed cars in sonata/optima.

sonata is more organic, more sleek. this looks more european, and bit of acura(when they were good) in it.

what a shocker.

 

Interesting fog lights + LED DRLs. Nice polished wheels. Is that a glass roof?

But the grill/headlight combo continues to remind me of the Honda Civic.

 

I like it. It has some Mitsubishi, accord, and forte elements to its design

 

shape is similar. but doesn't remind me of civic any more like how forte did.

 

Blah, another boring car that borrows styling cues from everything else, and has no resemblance to its predecessor or even a family resemblance to other Kia's.

Kia need to develop a design language and stick with it.

 

ever looked at early Japanese cars????

 

this is the new kia's design language.
now Kia has the family look going.

Forte
Sportage
Sorento
Optima
Cadenza

you definitely never seen a recent kia's before.

 

Imagine if Honda Accord looked this good.