THE Mondeo company car sector is growing with better rivals continuing to enter the market.
The latest is Kia, with its good-looking new Optima model, which was shown for the first time at the recent Paris Motor Show.
Due to go on sale in mid 2011, the Kia Optima launch comes hard on the heels of Hyundai’s announcement to enter the same company car market with its all-new i40 model (see our exclusive new story All new Hyundai muscles in on Ford Mondeo.)
The Optima replaces the lame Magentis – but Kia promises the new Optima is a far different proposition to business users.
The Optima is an all-new car from the ground up, says Kia. It is longer, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase than any previous offering from Kia in this key company car sector.
The design of the car embodies what Kia’s chief design officer Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.
As well as attention-grabbing styling, there also promises to be low-emission diesels for reduced company car tax.
The engine line-up offers either a new highly-efficient 136PS 1.7-litre diesel engine which promises best-in-class emissions (113g/km when fitted with Kia’s fuel-stretching ISG Start/Stop system) or an all-new technically-advanced 2.0-litre petrol engine with170PS power output and 122g/km CO2.
Kia says the Optima will feature a high level of standard equipment, including powered lumbar support for drivers seat, air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, keyless-entry with alarm system, and windshield de-icer.
A special ‘Sport Package’ will also be offered, says Kia. This includes a unique front mesh grille, new front and rear bumpers, sculpted side sills, rear lip spoiler, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps, aero-blade windscreen wipers, plus high performance dampers, larger disc brakes with black callipers and machine-finished 18-inch, 10-spoke, flush-faced, alloy wheels.
All-new family sized car from Kia
