Kia Optimistic over D-segment sales - Car and Van News
Kia says that the new Optima is an evolutionary design with a modern, new exterior look, a bolder interior design with more space, much new technology and a wide powertrain choice. The new Optima has grown but only slightly, it is 10mm longer with a wheelbase stretched by an equal amount, 25mm wider and 10mm taller, which improves head, leg and shoulder room and boot capacity. It is also the most aerodynamic Optima yet at 0. 29 Cd, an improvement of 0. 3. The bodyshell is 50 per cent stronger than its predecessor thanks to the more extensive use of ultra-high tensile steel (UHTS). Inside a complete redesign sees a more driver-focused cabin which Kia says is the biggest step forward on the model, boasting refinement levels more akin to premium sector cars. Kia will also launch a plug-in hybrid variant of the car in 2016, together with a more powerful performance variant. The Korean brand sees the car as important to growth, gaining Kia new customers in the D segment where the Optima will compete with the likes of Ford’s Mondeo and the Vauxhall Insignia. According to Kia Motors Europe Chief Operating Officer Michael Cole, the first Optima model sold globally, launched in 2010 acted as the catalyst for a five-year, design-led transformation of. Source: carandvannews.co.uk
