Kia Optima!

[2o6]

I really like it, although it's VAG influence is strong.


http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/13/new-york-2010-preview-next-generation-kia-optima-unveiled/

[giant_mtb]

First thought: WTF, Taurus?

Second thought: WTF, Kia?

Third thought: Civic/A4 tail lamps?

Fourth thought: WTF, wheels? Ugly.

Overall thought: Meh, it looks nice.

[the Teuton]

It's like a Sonata for people who care about their rear seat passengers.

[Secret Chimp]

It's like a Sonata for people who care about their rear seat passengers.

What is it with you and rear seats

[280Z Turbo]

What is it with you and rear seats

He likes to wear cowboy hats.

[Vinsanity]

in some ways, I prefer it to the Sonata

[ifcar]

It's like a Sonata for people who care about their rear seat passengers.

That would be nice, but it's way to early to tell. And I had to guess, I'd say their accommodations are identical -- the Optima and Sonata seem to share a roofline.

[Secret Chimp]

I like it better than the Sonata too. I like Kia's styling as of late a lot better in general. They seem to be setting themselves up as a sort of Korean Honda/Toyota pair.

[nickdrinkwater]

There's a couple of details which are unnecessary (the fake side vent, the LED lights).  But otherwise I think it looks very promising.  The profile is nice, and the whole car is actually reminiscent of a SAAB (or what a SAAB should look like).

This could be the car that sees Kia finally compete in this segment but we'll have to wait until we know about powertrains.

[sportyaccordy]

I don't know guys I JUST DON'T KNOW

[Payman]

Agree with Nick... the C pillar has a SAABiness about it. Very nice. Overall I think it looks very good.

[CJ]

It looks fantastic. 

[2o6]

Same engines as Sonata.



This car is HOT. Easily is the best looking Midsizer out there.

[Catman]

Not bad!

[TBR]

Grill and c-pillar are quite fussy.

[2o6]

Grill and c-pillar are quite fussy.

I agree with the C-pillar. I think the removal of the chrome strip would make it excellent.



The grille, I don't agree with.

[Submariner]

The nose is fucked.

I don't get what it is with the noses they have bestowed upon their two most recent entries (the Sonata and the Optima)  The Sonata is a good looking vehicle, but then I had one in my rear-view mirror this morning.  It was repulsive!  Not only was the front over styled beyond belief, the hood creases that lead into the grille make it look perpetually broken.  It's a nightmare! 

[2o6]

The nose is fucked.

I don't get what it is with the noses they have bestowed upon their two most recent entries (the Sonata and the Optima)  The Sonata is a good looking vehicle, but then I had one in my rear-view mirror this morning.  It was repulsive!  Not only was the front over styled beyond belief, the hood creases that lead into the grille make it look perpetually broken.  It's a nightmare! 

I think the Sonata is:


- Underwheeled.

- Not enough tumblehome. The sides are too tall.

- Because of the wheels and lack of tumblehome, the car looks too wide and too tall.

[Laconian]

I think it looks excellent. I especially like the glass roof and tail end of the car.

[CJ]

I think it looks great.

[Vinsanity]

Same engines as Sonata.



This car is HOT. Easily is the best looking Midsizer out there.

I have to agree. The car has just enough styling character to set it apart from the other Camcords and its wannabes, without falling prey to fugliness.

Very excited about this getting the 270-hp turbo engine as well. I sure wouldn't mind this as my first FWD 4-banger.


edit: LOL @ the NYC cop out to enforce the "No Parking" zone against the Kia visiting from Cali

[the Teuton]

Those tail lights are kinda Maserati.

[nickdrinkwater]

Looks fantastic, except for maybe the nose being a little droopy.  But overall, looks great inside and out.  Kia are really coming of age.  I'd love to see how this stacks up against the Mondeo, Superb etc.

[Atomic]

i did not care for it until seeing the pics above. wow! a little busy looking, but it is growing on me quickly. btw, is the roof glass or darkened paint? if a moonroof or sunroof - sweet!

[sportyaccordy]

Still on the fence... but after seeing and liking the Sonata IRL (outside of the underwheeling) I think this could work. It looks much better under daylight in those pics above.

[giant_mtb]

Looks awesome.

[68_427]

I see some Audi in the center dash.

[omicron]

Not bad, not bad. A bit busy in a few places for my tastes, like the aforementioned grille and C-pillar treatments, but the basic design is very sound with a strong stance.

[Galaxy]

I see some Audi in the center dash.

You would be right.

The man behind the recent KIA design revolution is Peter Schreyer, who worked for VW AG between 1979 and 2006. Between 1994 and 2002 he was head of design at Audi. from 2002 till 2006 he was head of design for all of VW AG.

[2o6]

You would be right.

The man behind the recent KIA design revolution is Peter Schreyer, who worked for VW AG between 1979 and 2006. Between 1994 and 2002 he was head of design at Audi. from 2002 till 2006 he was head of design for all of VW AG.

I started a thread about it. The A5 and Kia Forte Koup share a lot of design features.