Now the Kia Optima starts in Austria
The new Korean uses the good genes of the Hyundai i40.

Hyundai and his daughter-brand Kia is among the fastest growing car manufacturers in the world. The current models are also ideal for Austrian customers. Several years ago, the cars still seemed rather embarrassed, but they are far from it. No wonder, when most of the models being sold in this country, developed in Europe and partly also built here. And now comes with the optima of the recent string of distinguished South Koreans on our roads.

Sporty Sedan
At Optima is a handsome middle-class sedan, which it with rivals such as VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Peugeot 508 or Toyota Arvensis must absorb. Good genes, the new anyway, because it rolls on the same platform as the recently launched Hyundai i40. In contrast to the Hyundai Kia is there but only as a sedan, which is why he fell in comb-Austria would have a little heavier. Visually, it appears deliberately sporty. The dynamic front is known from the unique design penned by Peter Schreyer (formerly with Audi) and skillfully suggests the bridge to the rest of the model range. In the side view, especially the C-pillar is a real looker. It is reminiscent of the Jaguar XF and XJ. The rear is dominated by the crisp striking and extremely narrow taillights. They give the Koreans an independent look.

Interior
According to Kia fined five adults in the interior space. Back to third but it would be tight. In addition, the low roof line limits headroom in the rear a bit. The cockpit looks a bit dull in comparison to the exterior. This has more to offer the i40. The instruments and controls are but where you expect them, are easy to read and give up any mystery. As a first seating test showed to agree, even workmanship and material quality. With the equipment, it is usual to fairly abundant. Thus, a complete safety features and comfort features like air conditioning, CD radio with six speakers, electric windows, central locking with radio remote control, alarm, heated front windscreen, the driver’s seat lumbar support and a rear center armrest are standard equipment. Other standard or optional equipment elements include automatic retractable door mirrors and rear-parking assistance Smart Parking assists System (SPAS).

Engines, launch date and price
In this country, it is the Optima to launch in January 2012 with only one engine type. This fits perfectly but to Austria. When driving, it is namely the 1.7 liter diesel with 136 hp, which is already in the i40, ix35 or Sportage was convincing. Thanks to a torque of 330 Nm, it accelerates the sedan from zero to 100 in 10.3 seconds; maximum speed is 202 km / h. Kia’s fuel-efficient than standard consumption of 4.9 liters per 100 km (128g CO2/km) to. In addition to the manual six-speed gearbox for an extra charge, a six-speed automatic is available. In the summer of 2012 is still a 2.0 liter gasoline engine with 170 hp in later. In the U.S., the Optima is also sold as a hybrid. This version could make it to Austria.