PARIS SHOW: New Optima on its way to Oz

Kia showed its new Optima midsize sedan at the Paris motor show this week, and the good news is Australians will be offered the attractive model early next year.

The new Optima has been redesigned "from the ground up", according to Kia. As per the latest Sportage, the makers aimed for more space resulting in a longer, wider car as well as an "athletic" appearance which has inspired a lower roof line.

Europeans will be offered diesel and petrol options for Optima when it is released mid-2011, including the 1.7-litre diesel newly applied to the Sportage.

Australians however will likely see the same 2.0-litre petrol powerplant currently available in the compact SUV, and 2.4-litre petrol engine; both matched to the brand's six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Motors Australia (KMA) is not planning to introduce the additional diesel model Down Under "at this stage". Preventing the oiler's offering locally is the lack of an automatic transmission to match the diesel however KMA says if the drivetrain becomes available the company will ask Kia HQ for Australia's inclusion for deliveries.

Mid-size car buyers in Australia have not been offered a Kia option since Magentis, which 'wound up' mid last year. Meanwhile, sister brand Hyundai has quietly gone about its business with Sonata, and expects greater things in the segment from the new i45 sedan.

And Aussies haven't seen an Optima since 2005. Like the luxury-oriented GD model, the new version boasts leather seat and cabin trim, cruise control and climate control. The latest Optima also offers a neat integrated sat-nav and multimedia unit mounted in a well-formed and stylish dash.

The brand's talented designer Peter Schreyer says the new Optima "... is more than one step ahead of the car it replaces -- it's a clean sheet design that owes nothing to its predecessor.

"In every detail you will recognise our bold declaration of intent to grow Kia's market share in this [the 'D' or midsize] segment. Through the balance of its muscular proportions and the elegant simplicity of its raked roofline, our design results in a car that radiates self-assurance and confidence from every angle."

Even at base Euro-spec level the Optima is well-equipped including six-speaker audio system, sunroof, front and rear heated seats, and keyless-entry.

Kia Motors Australia's spokesman Kevin Hepworth told the Carsales Network that his company intended making a simple, one-spec one-price Optima offering.

Kia could not specify local pricing at this stage however potential buyers should look to the top-spec Hyundai i45's figure of around $38K for guidance, as the one-spec Optima offering promises to equal the luxury badged Hyundai sedan.

The new Optima will be launched to coincide with Kia's involvement -- now eight years -- in the Australian Open tennis tournament in January.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review of the new Kia Optima.

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