Kia has taken the wraps off its new Ford Mondeo-rivalling Optima saloon that comes with a competitive entry level price of £18,500 and a lengthy kit list.
The car, which was unveiled at the New York Motor Show, will replace the Magentis four-door saloon and will go on sale in the UK in 2011.
The new car is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor and is coupe-like in appearance. It features a sleek roofline, a high shoulder-line and flared wheel arches. Up front, Kia has given the Optima the bold new family grille, which was recently seen on the new Sportage.
On higher trim levels, the Optima gets LED lighting on both the front and the rear and it also gets dual exhausts, solar glass, six airbags, front active headrests and a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard.
Under the bonnet, there will be a choice of two engines: a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel.
Prices are to be confirmed closer to launch but they are expected to start from £18,500, which is £500 cheaper than the entry level Ford Mondeo. It is also expected that Kia will offer its seven-year warranty on the new Optima.
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