Stunningly Styled Midsize Sedan Offers High Levels of Technology, Impressive Power and Fuel Efficiency

U.S.-built¹ midsize sedan exceeds expectations and has become a sales leader for the record-breaking brand

Optima's combination of power, design, technology and fuel efficiency helps it stand out in a sea of midsize sedans

IRVINE, Calif., June 28, 2012 - Since being completely redesigned in 2010, Kia's dramatic and eye-catching Optima midsize sedan has become a sales leader for the brand and has garnered a long list of awards and accolades. Built at Kia's U.S. plant based in West Point, Georgia, the Optima returns to the lineup in 2013 with the same unbeatable combination of head-turning design, fun-to-drive performance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features. In addition to strong consumer appeal and record sales, Optima also has earned critical acclaim with a number of awards under its belt, including being named the 2012 "Best New Car Value" award from Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "Sedan of the Year" by Autobytel.com, one of the "Top Drives for 2012" by the Boston Globe and a "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest.

For 2013, Optima expands its popular line with the all-new Limited trim, which brings luxury and refinement to a whole new level for the already stylish and amenity-laden midsize sedan. Limited, which builds off the top-of-the-line SX with Premium Touring and Technology Packages, includes a number of unique features which further Optima's appeal and project a sleek, high-end appearance, including unique 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake calipers, LED daytime running lights, available chrome side mirrors and chrome accents on the side sills and rear spoiler, along with black cloth headliner and pillar trim. Inside, driver and passengers are enveloped in additional comfort and convenience, including Nappa leather seats and trim, wood interior accents, an electronic parking brake and a first aid kit.

Sleek and Modern Exterior
The 2013 Optima projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that evoke passion and communicate Kia Motors' dedication to creating stylish and dynamic vehicles. The Optima's aggressive face proudly features the brand's signature tabbed grille complemented by projector headlamps while Optima's coupe-like profile is accentuated by a sweeping chrome arc that flows seamlessly from the A through C pillars – a distinctive design element that visually lowers the car while enhancing its proportions. Optima's roofline connects with its pronounced shoulder line, leading to its sculpted flanks and accentuating its extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular presence.

Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the all-new Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, with the LX trim offering dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear lip spoiler, aero wiper blades and HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the all-new top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique and luxurious 18-inch chrome wheels, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, chrome accented side sills, chromed side mirrors and rear spoiler.

Functional, Engaging Interior Space
With sleek modern lines and a host of thoughtful features, the interior of the Optima exudes performance and was designed with drivers in mind. From the instrument panel that's contoured toward the driver to create a cockpit-like feel to the precise gauges and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Optima's interior provides the experience of a performance vehicle without sacrificing comfort or roominess. A sport-inspired Sportmatic shifter delivers crisp shifts while an available panoramic sunroof provides an open-air feeling.

In addition to its sporty personality, the Optima is loaded with standard convenience features and functionality that consumers have come to expect from a midsize sedan. Occupants are greeted by a number of premium standard features such as a six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, tilt and telescopic steering column, glove box cooling capabilities and automatic light control. Additional standard interior features include power door locks, power windows and sun visor extension. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements based on driver and passenger needs. New for 2013, driver and front passenger can benefit from adjustable (up/down and sliding) headrests for optimal comfort.

Cabin comfort is further complemented by an impressive list of standard technology features including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite audio system with SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service², Bluetooth^®3 wireless connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. All Optimas also feature cruise control and an Active Eco System that allows drivers to optimize fuel efficiency while driving.

Adding to the refinement of the EX trim, 2013 models add standard wood trim to door inserts and the center console as well as metal bezel trim. Additional standard premium features on every EX model include push button-start ignition with Smart Key, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents, leather seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink^®4 and compass, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, door mood lamp and overhead pin lamp, chrome inside door handles, illuminated glove box, rear reading lamps, and floor mats.

For consumers looking for more athletic appeal, the turbocharged Optima SX adds unique black leather and woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon fiber door and center console inserts, Supervision^™ meter cluster with LCD display, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals and illuminated door scuff plates.

Balancing athleticism and sophistication, the Limited trim adds supple Nappa leather seat and interior trim, black cloth headliner and pillar trim, wood interior accents throughout and a cloth door weather strip. An electronic parking brake also comes standard to the already well-equipped trim.

Several available packages add higher levels of refinement and the latest technology to Optima. The Convenience Package (LX only) offers an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, while the LX Technology Package (requires Convenience Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera⁵, an eight-speaker Infinity^®6 audio system and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation.

Building on the already well-equipped EX trim, consumers can opt for the Premium Package, which includes UVO voice-activated infotainment system with back-up camera, HD Radio^®7, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, power folding outside mirrors, a panoramic sunroof with high-gloss black B-pillar, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim and center console and metal-finished shifter. The EX Technology Package (requires Premium Package) adds a navigation system with a back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic^™8 with real-time updates.

Two packages are offered for the 2013 Optima SX, beginning with the Premium Touring Package, which adds unique 18-inch luxury wheels to the EX Premium Package's content while the Technology Package (requires Premium Touring Package) features the navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic.

Dynamic Platform
The Optima's distinctive style and sporting demeanor have their foundation in the vehicle's core platform. Optima's low, aerodynamic and powerful stance is helped by its overall length of 190.7 inches – an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous generation model – overall width of 72.1 inches, wheelbase of 110 inches and low ground clearance of 5.3 inches. Optima's lightweight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural integrity while also achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities also are fitted throughout the Optima.

Built as a unibody structure, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear. Coil springs and front anti-roll bars complete the set up, engaging drivers with responsive handling and providing the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Unique Collection of Efficient and Powerful Powertrains
The 2013 Optima is available with two fuel-efficient and powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI), including a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower while upgrading to the 274-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX models) delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder's efficiency. Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic^™ clutchless shifting.

In addition to impressive performance, both engines also offer competitive fuel economy. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder posts 24/35 miles per gallon (mpg)⁹ (city/highway), while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI offers 22/34 mpg⁸.

Standard Kia Safety Features
The 2013 Optima is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2013 Optima is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program¹⁰, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. 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.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality¹¹ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking¹². Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.¹³ Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

^{* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
2 Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
3 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
4 HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.
5 The rear camera display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
6 Infinity® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
7 HD Radio™ and the HD, HD Radio, and "Arc" logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
8 Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
9 EPA claim for 2013 Optima. Actual mileage will vary.
10 See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.
11 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
12 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
13 Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending March 2007 and March 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.}