Midsize Sedan Receives Refreshed Styling, New Engine

IRVINE, Calif., November 17, 2008 – Globally unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show with refreshed styling, the 2009 Kia Optima midsize sedan offers a completely modified exterior, which offers a more aggressive, dynamic style than previous models, and is outfitted with a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy. For 2009, Optima also is larger than its predecessors, which complements its distinctive new styling and separates itself from other vehicles in the growing midsize segment.

Exterior Excitement

The 2009 Optima is presented with new front, side and rear styling cues, which build upon Kia Motors’ philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The fog lamps and lower front grille have been enlarged and the headlamps narrowed to create an aggressively sharper look. Wider side garnishes add sportiness while the acute front lines continue toward the back, ending on a distinctly edged trunk lid. To complete the redesigned rear fascia, tail lights are narrowed to enhance Optima’s sleeker cosmetic appearance.

Also, new for 2009 is the addition of the sporty SX trim, which complements the well-equipped, value-priced LX (four-cylinder only) and premium-oriented EX trims. Already available with Rio, Rio5, Spectra and Spectra5 models, the SX line provides another dimension for Optima buyers looking for a sportier midsize and upgrades including a black-bezeled front grille and headlamps, and hyper-silver-finished 17-inch alloy wheels. EX models are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and are fitted with Goodyear tires.

The 2009 Optima’s overall length also increased, extending nearly two inches in the front and one inch in the rear, to an overall length of 189 inches. The larger proportions enhance the exterior styling for a lower, leaner, more powerful stance. All other dimensions, including wheelbase, remain unchanged.

Efficient, Powerful Engine

Available in two powerplants – a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 2.7-liter V6 engine – and two five-speed transmissions (manual with LX four-cylinder model only), the 2009 Optima introduces a new engine under its hood. When redesigned as a 2006.5 model, the peppy four-cylinder engine delivered 162 horsepower, a 15-percent increase from the previous generation. For 2009, a more powerful and fuel efficient 2.4-liter engine takes its place, producing an additional 13 horsepower. Optima’s four-cylinder output increases to 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. Also updated is the available 2.7-liter V6 engine (for EX and SX models), which delivers 194 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while mated to a five-speed, gated automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine with additional horsepower increases to 22/32 A/T and the increased horsepower 2.7-liter engine is 20/22 A/T (city/highway). All automatics feature Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting.

Optima’s four-cylinder engine is further enhanced with the introductions of dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) while the 2.7-liter V6 has single CVVT and VIS. These added systems improve the vehicle’s fuel economy without sacrificing power.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are joined with coil springs and anti-roll bars (standard equipment on all models) to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Interior Refinement

The style makeover continues into Optima’s cabin with expanded electronics melded with refreshed fascia patterns and color schemes. Based on a new platform, the standard audio system features MP3 compatibility, USB and auxiliary jacks and SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service . For EX and SX models, an optional in-dash voice-activated navigation system also is an Optima first.

The rest of the center fascia and floor console receive minor tuning for even more intuitive operation whereas the new barrel-type instrument cluster design adopts sporty red illumination. Optima continues to offer two seat trims in gray or beige color schemes – cloth (LX), leather (EX) – with black leather with woven fabric insert on SX models, which also features aluminum trim, metal sport pedals and a Supervision™ meter cluster.

Amidst the host of additional options, Optima still offers an array of standard features. The LX is equipped with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, cloth seat and door trim, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat as well as 60/40-split folding rear seats. Automatic transmission models add tilt and telescopic steering column, keyless entry and alarm, cruise control and audio steering wheel remote control. EX models upgrade to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob standard on LX four-cylinder A/T, leather seat trim, leather-wrapped shift knob, automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror featuring Homelink®, compass, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and floor mats. Convenience and Premium Packages offer further content upgrades, including a power sunroof and an Infinity® audio system. Bluetooth hands-free calling capability heads the list of available accessory options.

Safety-Minded

The 2009 Optima received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Optima is equipped with many safety features as standard equipment. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), brake assist system (BAS) and four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) also are standard.

Competitive Warranty

The 2009 Optima is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.