Kia's newest Optima (or Magentis/K5, depending on the market), that's set for a New York Auto Show debut at the end of the month, has been caught out on the town, somewhere in Korea. Found on TheCarBlogger (courtesy of the tall, dark and handsome Sanghoon), the site points out that this is likely the base model due to the seriously-undersized wheels. We'll agree.
What remains questionable is the Kia's C-pillar, which is reminiscent of an upside-down Hofmeister kink. Looks like we're going to have to see that in person; otherwise, looking pretty crisp.
To answer TCB's question, "Has a base model of any mid-size car looked this good?": Sure, just not a Kia.
- By Phil Alex
Via: TCB
22 Comments:
hehe Why does this look so much better than the Sonata? Not that the Sonata is ugly....I thought Hyundai was suppose to be the upscale brand?
Front fender vent, hood, and face mimick the current Ford Taurus, IMO.
Dudes, stop saying that there are similarities in the area of the Ford Taurus, because it doesn't. Just face the fact people it does not, and I repeat it does not have any similarities with the ford taurus outside the fact it is a car.
Carguy123
looks great, Hyundai has a great future
Check out that overhang. It looks like it's got Leno chin and then some snout.
According to a recent Korean news, Kia Optima(K5)will have better gas-mileage than Hyundai Sonata (and any others in its class).
For Korean version, Kia decided to put Auto Parking system (But Kia still considering to put it in New Sportage.) and LKAS(Lane Keeping Assist System), which is much advanced than Hyundai Equus offers (LKSS: Lane Keeping Support System.
Also Kia decided not to put Head Up Display, because they want to put it in new version of Azera(Grandure)first.
Every time, I wonder why they don't put 18 inch wheels....Their wheels are too small to me....even they are making it bigger and bigger and offering best gas-mileages.....why are they doing that????
How the heck does this even look the same as the taurus. Taurus has some good design.
But kia has its originality. I'm surprised kia/hyundai had been up with their games lately. Keep it up. Sad to say there are no kia around for me to check their cars. Only hyundai is close by here.
That looks fantastic, better than the Sonata.
interesting big car - overhangs are quite alot, i wonder how it will drive? I agree with the wheels, they are WAY too small for that body...
"According to a recent Korean news, Kia Optima(K5)will have better gas-mileage than Hyundai Sonata (and any others in its class).
For Korean version, Kia decided to put Auto Parking system (But Kia still considering to put it in New Sportage.) and LKAS(Lane Keeping Assist System), which is much advanced than Hyundai Equus offers (LKSS: Lane Keeping Support System.
Also Kia decided not to put Head Up Display, because they want to put it in new version of Azera(Grandure)first."
Of course, since you've provided no source for this claim, then I (and others) have every reason to dismiss your claim as bullshit.
I can't believe this is a Kia. This will definitely challenge people's brand perception. This should get a lot of fence sitters and maybe sway some "I'd never buy a Kia" buyers. I know I am seriously looking forward to seeing more, the interior, engine choices, price, etc.
This Kia Optima/Magentis/K5 looks stunning...KIA has a winner in it's hands! I'm adding this to my next new car list.
With that said, I just hope KIA would improve on their resale values, esp in the USA. That's the only caveat I see now from owning one of their products...
*Thumbs-up*...I am impressed with KIA (and Hyundai)...from best value for money to (design)value creation...KIA has improved tremendously...
it has taurus cues. cetainly. there is nothing wrong with that. i just say, get rid of those silly side vents! stand up and be unique. it looks great and the distracting vents would not prevent me from buying one. i just had an all new design adding an element that is so yesterday.
this car tries too hard - a little honda accord (front lights), ford sho, mazda6, jaguar and lexus. it is too piece-meal.
very niceeee
Not too bad overall, front end looks like last gen Renault Laguna....
If an Acura TSX and an Audi A6 had a love child this is what it would look like....upscale and chic. Kia's new ex-Audi designer is doing a great job on the new line of cars. Should be a better seller than last generation which was always overshadowed by the Sonata. Rumor has it the Optima is supposed to get a V6 to set itself apart from the Sonata.
there is a large smattering of design themes here. it is way too busy. yet, it looks good from certain angles.
The overhang is somewhat of an illusion because the corners of the car are heavily beveled. Look at the vehicle from a 90 degree side angle and the overhang is not that big.
Yup another rip off design. I'd love to work on their design team. Just cut and past bits and pieces of other good looking cars. and yes , it looks like the front of a Taurus
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