Kia Motors America (KMA) first unveiled the all-new 2006.5 Kia Optima mid-size sedan at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006. The latest step in the complete regeneration of the Kia product line-up over the past three years, the all-new Optima combines distinctive styling with a longer wheelbase, a wider track, increased horsepower, better fuel economy and dramatically improved driving dynamics for enhanced performance and passenger comfort.
With six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags, the all-new Optima continues Kia's commitment to offering the highest level of standard safety features in all of its vehicles. Meanwhile, the Optima's longer wheelbase and increased width provide more interior volume (104.2-cubic feet) than most mid-size sedans, including segment leaders such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima 1.
"The new Optima is the latest example of Kia's unique ability to deliver stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that provide a high level of comfort, convenience and safety at a reasonable price," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America, Inc. "The original Optima sedan was a value leader in the segment, and the significant improvements in performance and handling and generous passenger space are sure to attract new consumers to the Kia brand."
The 2006.5 Optima is the latest in a long line of new product introductions from Kia. In the past three years Kia has aggressively expanded its product offerings to include new products such as the all-new Sedona minivan, Rio and Rio5 subcompacts, the Sportage compact SUV, the Spectra sedan and Spectra5 five-door, the Sorento mid-size SUV and the Amanti large premium sedan.
A Distinctive, Modern Look
Personifying Kia's "exciting and enabling" brand objectives, the all-new Optima's exterior styling employs short overhangs and sporty details - such as the V6 model's dual exhaust outlets - to project a strong presence. Circular design elements within the headlights and rear taillamps lend a modern look, while a new Appearance Package includes 17-inch wheels and Michelin tires, a blacked-out front grille and headlights, aluminum interior trim and Supervision meter cluster for a sportier and more aggressive tone. Furthering its athletic attitude, the Appearance Package for EX models adds black interior trim accents and black leather seats.
Built on a new platform with a longer wheelbase (107.1 in.) and increased overall width (71.1 in.) compared to its predecessor, the new Optima offers a spacious interior package:
With an interior volume of 104.2 cubic feet, the Optima has one of the roomiest cabins in its segment, with more interior space than the 2006 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Mazda6.
The 2006.5 Optima's trunk capacity is significantly larger than before. At 14.8 cubic feet, the trunk volume represents a nearly 10-percent increase over the previous-generation vehicle.
Inside, the new Optima's refinements include the use of improved materials and the continuation of the sporty exterior design with a white-blue illumination theme throughout.
Safety Comes Standard
The all-new Optima is the latest realization of Kia's efforts to offer an unprecedented level of standard safety equipment in all of its vehicles.
The all-new Optima features six standard airbags, including dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Optima is one of the only vehicles in its class with standard full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Sensors controlling the dual advanced front supplemental restraints determine the position of the seat for the driver, while passenger-seat weight sensors determine if the front passenger seat is occupied. A central unit decides whether to activate single- or dual-stage airbag deployment depending on passenger weight.
Standard front active headrests move up and forward to help mitigate neck injuries to front occupants in the event of a rear-impact collision, and an energy-absorbing steering column helps reduce the possibility or severity of chest injury to the driver in a collision.
The 2006.5 Optima has standard four-wheel disc brakes, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS) and Brake Assist (BAS) are available as a packaged option.
Optima's traction control minimizes wheel spin by applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel, and by reducing engine power when necessary. Brake assist supplements the driver's brake input to maintain full brake pressure throughout a panic stop. ESC acts as the "brains" of the safety systems by monitoring key vehicle functions such as brake force pressure, vehicle speed and direction the vehicle is traveling. Optima's ESC uses a series of sensors to detect when an unstable condition develops and then rapidly coordinates the individual efforts of TCS, brake assist and ABS to help adjust throttle and/or apply select brakes to help the driver regain control. The Optima ESC system is so rapid and precise that it is virtually indiscernible to the driver.
Additional standard safety features include: front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (which can release seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner to help minimize the chance of injury), three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and dual Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety seat anchors for the rear seats.
Improved Performance
With increased horsepower and torque from the previous-generation vehicle, the all-new Optima offers improved performance and both available powerplants offer improved fuel economy, bettering much of the competition.
Optima's all-new aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder CVVT engine delivers 15-percent more power (161-horsepower) than the previous-generation engine. The Optima's four-cylinder output surpasses the base four-cylinder engines from the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu 2.
The Optima's 2.7-liter V6 CVVT engine offers a horsepower increase of nearly 10-percent (185-horsepower) and provides better fuel economy than the standard V6 engines from the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry 2.
A new five-speed gated automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ is standard on most Optima models. An improved, smoother shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX four-cylinder model.
Blending Ride Comfort With Dynamic Performance
Befitting its nimble appearance, the all-new Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems that have been tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience.
Optima's suspension layout uses a MacPherson strut setup in front; and the rear's multi-link with coil springs helps provide a healthy balance between a comfortable ride and responsive handling.
Front and rear anti-roll bars are standard on all Optima models. Aiding handling is a precise rack-and-pinion steering system.
Optima's wider track, tuned suspension and steering system provide better handling characteristics and improved performance over the previous-generation Optima. A longer wheelbase also enhances ride comfort.
More Comfort & Convenience Than Ever Before
Occupant safety and a long list of standard convenience features are just some of the defining qualities of Kia's recent wave of new products. The 2006.5 Optima is engineered to provide a quiet cabin environment that complements the vehicle's improved performance and handling characteristics.
Both the four-cylinder and V6 variations of the all-new Optima are available in two trim levels: LX and EX. All models offer a generous list of standard features inside and out, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated outside mirrors, six-way adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, 60-40 split folding rear seats, four-wheel disc brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The LX four-cylinder model with automatic transmission comes equipped with cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, audio system controls on the steering wheel and floor mats. The LX V6 model includes dual exhaust outlets and alloy wheels.
All EX models feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, metal door scuff plates, chrome accent outside door handles and an Infinity AM/FM/Cassette/6-disc CD/MP3 premium audio system, while the EX V6 adds dual exhaust outlets.
The 360-watt Infinity premium audio system found in EX models houses nine speakers in seven different locations throughout the car, including a subwoofer in the rear, and utilizes eight channels of amplification capable of 45 watts each. Two-way, left and right front channels with tweeters provide dynamic and harmonically rich reproduction, while rear-channel woofers/tweeters also enhance the sound image. The Infinity premium audio system is representative of the appointments that make Optima stand out as not only an incredible value, but also a benchmark of sophistication.
The LX Appearance Package, available on LX four-cylinder and V6 A/T vehicles, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires, blacked-out headlights and front grille, fog lights, Supervision meter cluster, trip computer, auto light control, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum interior trim and silver accent interior door handles.
The optional EX Appearance Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires, blacked-out headlights and front grille, Supervision meter cluster, aluminum and black interior trim, and black leather seat trim.
With six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags, the all-new Optima continues Kia's commitment to offering the highest level of standard safety features in all of its vehicles. Meanwhile, the Optima's longer wheelbase and increased width provide more interior volume (104.2-cubic feet) than most mid-size sedans, including segment leaders such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima 1.
"The new Optima is the latest example of Kia's unique ability to deliver stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that provide a high level of comfort, convenience and safety at a reasonable price," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America, Inc. "The original Optima sedan was a value leader in the segment, and the significant improvements in performance and handling and generous passenger space are sure to attract new consumers to the Kia brand."
The 2006.5 Optima is the latest in a long line of new product introductions from Kia. In the past three years Kia has aggressively expanded its product offerings to include new products such as the all-new Sedona minivan, Rio and Rio5 subcompacts, the Sportage compact SUV, the Spectra sedan and Spectra5 five-door, the Sorento mid-size SUV and the Amanti large premium sedan.
A Distinctive, Modern Look
Personifying Kia's "exciting and enabling" brand objectives, the all-new Optima's exterior styling employs short overhangs and sporty details - such as the V6 model's dual exhaust outlets - to project a strong presence. Circular design elements within the headlights and rear taillamps lend a modern look, while a new Appearance Package includes 17-inch wheels and Michelin tires, a blacked-out front grille and headlights, aluminum interior trim and Supervision meter cluster for a sportier and more aggressive tone. Furthering its athletic attitude, the Appearance Package for EX models adds black interior trim accents and black leather seats.
Built on a new platform with a longer wheelbase (107.1 in.) and increased overall width (71.1 in.) compared to its predecessor, the new Optima offers a spacious interior package:
With an interior volume of 104.2 cubic feet, the Optima has one of the roomiest cabins in its segment, with more interior space than the 2006 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Mazda6.
The 2006.5 Optima's trunk capacity is significantly larger than before. At 14.8 cubic feet, the trunk volume represents a nearly 10-percent increase over the previous-generation vehicle.
Inside, the new Optima's refinements include the use of improved materials and the continuation of the sporty exterior design with a white-blue illumination theme throughout.
Safety Comes Standard
The all-new Optima is the latest realization of Kia's efforts to offer an unprecedented level of standard safety equipment in all of its vehicles.
The all-new Optima features six standard airbags, including dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Optima is one of the only vehicles in its class with standard full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Sensors controlling the dual advanced front supplemental restraints determine the position of the seat for the driver, while passenger-seat weight sensors determine if the front passenger seat is occupied. A central unit decides whether to activate single- or dual-stage airbag deployment depending on passenger weight.
Standard front active headrests move up and forward to help mitigate neck injuries to front occupants in the event of a rear-impact collision, and an energy-absorbing steering column helps reduce the possibility or severity of chest injury to the driver in a collision.
The 2006.5 Optima has standard four-wheel disc brakes, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS) and Brake Assist (BAS) are available as a packaged option.
Optima's traction control minimizes wheel spin by applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel, and by reducing engine power when necessary. Brake assist supplements the driver's brake input to maintain full brake pressure throughout a panic stop. ESC acts as the "brains" of the safety systems by monitoring key vehicle functions such as brake force pressure, vehicle speed and direction the vehicle is traveling. Optima's ESC uses a series of sensors to detect when an unstable condition develops and then rapidly coordinates the individual efforts of TCS, brake assist and ABS to help adjust throttle and/or apply select brakes to help the driver regain control. The Optima ESC system is so rapid and precise that it is virtually indiscernible to the driver.
Additional standard safety features include: front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (which can release seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner to help minimize the chance of injury), three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and dual Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety seat anchors for the rear seats.
Improved Performance
With increased horsepower and torque from the previous-generation vehicle, the all-new Optima offers improved performance and both available powerplants offer improved fuel economy, bettering much of the competition.
Optima's all-new aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder CVVT engine delivers 15-percent more power (161-horsepower) than the previous-generation engine. The Optima's four-cylinder output surpasses the base four-cylinder engines from the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu 2.
The Optima's 2.7-liter V6 CVVT engine offers a horsepower increase of nearly 10-percent (185-horsepower) and provides better fuel economy than the standard V6 engines from the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry 2.
A new five-speed gated automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ is standard on most Optima models. An improved, smoother shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX four-cylinder model.
Blending Ride Comfort With Dynamic Performance
Befitting its nimble appearance, the all-new Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems that have been tuned to deliver an engaging driving experience.
Optima's suspension layout uses a MacPherson strut setup in front; and the rear's multi-link with coil springs helps provide a healthy balance between a comfortable ride and responsive handling.
Front and rear anti-roll bars are standard on all Optima models. Aiding handling is a precise rack-and-pinion steering system.
Optima's wider track, tuned suspension and steering system provide better handling characteristics and improved performance over the previous-generation Optima. A longer wheelbase also enhances ride comfort.
More Comfort & Convenience Than Ever Before
Occupant safety and a long list of standard convenience features are just some of the defining qualities of Kia's recent wave of new products. The 2006.5 Optima is engineered to provide a quiet cabin environment that complements the vehicle's improved performance and handling characteristics.
Both the four-cylinder and V6 variations of the all-new Optima are available in two trim levels: LX and EX. All models offer a generous list of standard features inside and out, including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated outside mirrors, six-way adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, 60-40 split folding rear seats, four-wheel disc brakes and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The LX four-cylinder model with automatic transmission comes equipped with cruise control, keyless entry and alarm, manual tilt and telescopic steering column, audio system controls on the steering wheel and floor mats. The LX V6 model includes dual exhaust outlets and alloy wheels.
All EX models feature alloy wheels, fog lights, solar glass, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, metal door scuff plates, chrome accent outside door handles and an Infinity AM/FM/Cassette/6-disc CD/MP3 premium audio system, while the EX V6 adds dual exhaust outlets.
The 360-watt Infinity premium audio system found in EX models houses nine speakers in seven different locations throughout the car, including a subwoofer in the rear, and utilizes eight channels of amplification capable of 45 watts each. Two-way, left and right front channels with tweeters provide dynamic and harmonically rich reproduction, while rear-channel woofers/tweeters also enhance the sound image. The Infinity premium audio system is representative of the appointments that make Optima stand out as not only an incredible value, but also a benchmark of sophistication.
The LX Appearance Package, available on LX four-cylinder and V6 A/T vehicles, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires, blacked-out headlights and front grille, fog lights, Supervision meter cluster, trip computer, auto light control, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum interior trim and silver accent interior door handles.
The optional EX Appearance Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires, blacked-out headlights and front grille, Supervision meter cluster, aluminum and black interior trim, and black leather seat trim.