New Kia Optima looks almost like an Audi

mercury maid · 31-03-2009, 11:55 AM

http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-sh...-grandeur.html

The affordable large car segment is starting to get just a little overcrowded, and in a time where customers all around the world are downsizing to smaller midsize models, performance, fuel-economy and overall value is now more important than ever. South Korea’s entrants in this field have been winning plenty of accolades lately, especially newcomers like the Hyundai Genesis, and Kia is working on another large car that by the looks of things will only continue this trend.

The replacement for the Amanti (Opirus) sedan is just around the corner, but an image of a concept version of the car has leaked ahead of its official unveiling at next month’s Seoul Motor Show. Comparing this show with previous spy images, it appears that the concept will closely mirror the upcoming production model due towards the end of the year. Hopefully the curvaceous and muscular body, LED tail-lamps and sporty profile will help to erase the boring whitegoods-on-wheels look of the current Amanti.

Kia is yet to reveal any official details but the most likely engine options will be the new 2.4L Theta four-cylinder, 2.7L Mu V6, and the 3.3L and 3.8L Lambda V6s. Expect U.S. models to be fitted with the 3.8L unit, with power levels up around the 280hp (206kW) mark.

According to a previously leaked document outlining Kia’s future product plans, the new Amanti is set to make its world debut in August next year with sales expected in the following month. Incidentally, the underpinnings of the new car will also be shared with Hyundai’s next-generation Azera (Grandeur), which is expected to be launched around the same time.

The story doesn’t end there as TheCarBlogger is also reporting that Kia will launch two new large sedans, an entry-level model codenamed the VG and a more luxurious version codenamed CH.

onfire · 31-03-2009, 02:23 PM

Kia

BMW

MITCHAY · 31-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Looks the goods!

SM1DY · 31-03-2009, 07:20 PM

I'd say it was a closer relative to a Lexus. Still wouldn't buy one though, looks like butt.

Nikked · 31-03-2009, 07:39 PM

typical of korea (well, alot of asia), its a mash of euro Designs in one car.

I find it funny how lots of poeple said BMW's (and bangles) flame surfaceing and associated cues were hidious, yet now more cars seem to have similarities with it.

Yellow_Festiva · 31-03-2009, 08:01 PM

They do say imitation is the best form of flattery.

That car looks the goods. I bet it will have 95% of the dynamics, NVH suppression, ride quality, build quality and safety of the equivalent Beemer, Merc, Audi or Lexus but be 50% the price.

Well done, and good on them.

mustang70 · 31-03-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

They do say imitation is the best form of flattery.

That car looks the goods. I bet it will have 95% of the dynamics, NVH suppression, ride quality, build quality and safety of the equivalent Beemer, Merc, Audi or Lexus but be 50% the price.

Well done, and good on them.

Nice looking car and should sell well,

95%?? Serious

i see korean cars have their place in the market but I cannot see how you could even say they have 50% of the build quality, and lets not start on the safety etc.

waggaclint · 31-03-2009, 09:37 PM

its still a KIA so it will fall apart thats why KIAs are cheap..

Auslandau · 31-03-2009, 09:45 PM

Might be a Kia, might be a bit short on quality ...... but it looks great. Stick a BM, Audi badge on it and it would fit in perfectly. Scarey when the cheap, crappy market starts to look better than some euros!

| [/url] |

Yellow_Festiva · 31-03-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustang70

Nice looking car and should sell well,

95%?? Serious

i see korean cars have their place in the market but I cannot see how you could even say they have 50% of the build quality, and lets not start on the safety etc.

Yeah yeah... ok 95 is a bit much... but 50% is way too low

:

RATT · 31-03-2009, 10:52 PM

Wow! People still think they fall apart. I guess the 5yr/ unlimited km warranty is there because Kia expect to put together Kia's that have fallen apart...

_

They also copied everyone.. how dare they put 4 wheels, have 4 doors and look like a sedan!

Sloth · 31-03-2009, 11:44 PM

It shouldn't look anywhere near that good in production form. Kia have produced some really nice concepts in recent years only to tone the production model right down, being a low cost brand. The Cee'd springs to mind.

mustang70 · 01-04-2009, 01:07 AM

They're 'budget' built cars that are a little cheap on build quality but they certainly dont fall apart, I have a friend with a Rio thats done 200 000km no problems.
The early Carnivals had troubles with the engines, the Pregio van had a problem too,clutch or g/box IIRC but in the last few years they have vastly improved and their styling is starting to get good, all be it by 'copying' styles somewhat (which manufacturer doesnt here and there)

My parents are after another Tarago as their current one is high KM, i have talked then into a Carnival as they could buy two and have change for the price of a Tarago.

I would buy a Kia such as the above one if I was looking for a new 4 cylinder/small 6 mid sized family sedan, over say a Honda which is going to cost me 10 thousand dollars more. 10 years time they'd both be long traded in by most people anyway, and I'd guess the Kia would be far cheaper to service than the Honda or similar Toyota etc

Anyone remember when Honda's were considered cheap junk? They moved on and I think Kia have also, I would put them along side Suzuki , cheaper build but reasonable quality

Maggot · 01-04-2009, 01:49 AM

The kia carnival is a hyundai, and they aren't that bad for the money.

This new Kia will most likely not look as good in the flesh.

blueoval · 01-04-2009, 02:36 AM

The comments sound positive but one question remains.

the question is, would YOU buy one?

Yellow_Festiva · 01-04-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

The comments sound positive but one question remains.

the question is, would YOU buy one?

Hell yeah... The Festiva is a Kia anyway. Based on this ownership experience I would buy another on in an instant.

JMO · 01-04-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

The comments sound positive but one question remains.

the question is, would YOU buy one?

The answer to that question is.... NO!.

sfr rob · 01-04-2009, 09:25 AM

Would I buy one?
Yeah, I was going to buy the mrs a new car some time this year....
I can wait till 2010 if this thing will land here.

Mazda 6 (mps)
FG xr8
KIA optima

Hard choice!

Antwon · 01-04-2009, 06:53 PM

Hyundai used to be cheap crap, but now look what their making, their cars are pretty good nowadays. Why cant Kia do the same? I think this car looks good.

Nikked · 01-04-2009, 07:06 PM

Kias/hyundais have shoking interior materials, thin carpet, bit ugly hardplastic door trims etc.

Mind you, they are good at what they do. Provide cheap, semi relieable new cars for the masses.

Daymoe · 01-04-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Kias/hyundais have shoking interior materials, thin carpet, bit ugly hardplastic door trims etc.

Mind you, they are good at what they do. Provide cheap, semi relieable new cars for the masses.

The new Kias are good, especially the new Cerato. My Dad's Mazda 323 has real thin carpet, after a few times driving it, i put a hole in the carpet with the bottom of my boot on my right foot some how.