KIA launches Optima K5 flagship

• Naza Kia confident of doubling sales in 2012
• At RM143,888, the Optima K5 closes price gap between Korean and Japanese D-Segment to nearly zero

Kia Optima K5 Launch: (From left to right) Mr Thomas Oh,
Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors
Corporation, Mr SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group
Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies,
Mr S P Choi, President for Asian Operations for Kia 
Motors Corporation, and Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, 
COO of Naza Kia Malaysia at the launch 
of the all-new Optima K5.

2011 will be remembered by Naza Kia as a year of many achievements which saw them launch three key models that has brought the brand to within earshot of mainstream Japanese marques in terms of mindscape presence and value.

The all-new Kia Optima K5 was priced smack in the heart of Japanese D-Segment  territory, forcing motorists to consider the car in the same light as segment leaders, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Compared to the Camry, which is priced from RM144,990, the price differentiation with the Optima is 0.06 per cent and when compared with the Accord which is priced from RM142,800, the OPtima is actually RM1,088 (0.07 per cent) more pricey than the base model Japanese.

Naza Kia COO, Datuk Syed Hafiz Abu Bakar says it is not hard to sell the striking new Optima K5 at that price because the car is highly equipped and easily matches the Japanese in terms of the technical specifications.

"Our goal for this year is to reduce the price gap between Kia and Japanese models to between five and 10 per cent and from next year onwards we want to reduce the gap further to between zero and five per cent." he said.

The second step in Kia's move up the value chain has happened with the Optima K5 which is clearly selling on specifications rather than outright price advantage against the more established players in the segment.



Syed Hafiz's point of view is echoed by Thomas Oh, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation who believes that the company now has the products to fight on quality, specifications and brand value.

Naza Kia has set itself a rather conservative sales target of 300 units a month which is half of the 600 or so units that Toyota sells of the Camry and 500 units a month of Honda Accords.

While 300 units seem conservative when compared to the class sales leader, the figure is respectable for Kia, especially at the new price that they are venturing on.

To give you further perspective, Hyundai sells about 150 units of their Sonata a month while Nissan moves nearly 400 Teanas in the same timeframe.

The Optima K5 is launched together with the Kia Red Cube, the brand's flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya (Along the Federal Highway, near the Avon building and Mazda/ Ssangyong and Citroes showrooms)

In terms of specifications, the Optima K5 comes with a 160 horsepower 2.0-litre Theta II engine, panoramic glass roof, six airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), Infiniti high-powered in-car entertainment system, leather interior, HID xenon headlamps. LED Daytime running lights, rear LED combination lamps  and 18-inch wheels.

The good looks is the handiwork of chief designer, Peter Schreyer and the Optima K5 was named ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2011 Red Dot Design Award.

The driver gets an 8-way electronically controlled seat with an integrated memory seat function which retains settings for two drivers based on their seating position.

Other technological features in the car includes push-start ignition, auto-headlights, auto-wipers, a rear view camera display on the rear view mirror while the supervision cluster displays useful information such as engine oil service reminder, tire rotation service reminder, distance to service, fuel economy and steering wheel alignment.

Underneath the hood, the All-New Optima K5 is equipped with a fuel efficient Theta II 2.0 dual CVVT engine that produces 165 PS and 198 Nm of torque that is fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled through steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

The fuel consumption of the All-New Optima K5 on a combined cycle is 7.6-litres per 100 km.

The All-New Optima K5 also features an ECO control that optimises the drive train operation for the best fuel consumption.

Once engaged, the ECO control optimally adjusts the ECU, transmission and air-conditioner compressor to reduce the All-New Optima K5’s fuel consumption by 9.1%.


PRESS RELEASE

NAZA KIA MALAYSIA LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW OPTIMA K5
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 27 – Naza Kia Malaysia today launched the highly acclaimed and much-anticipated All-New Optima K5 at its new flagship Kia Red Cube - Petaling Jaya outlet.
With a monthly target of 300 units, the All-New Optima K5 is set to make waves in the highly competitive D-segment of the market.
“The All-New Optima K5 is the embodiment of Kia’s new design direction. With a head-turning design, exhilarating drive, premium amenities and high level of safety specifications, we are confident the All-New Optima K5 will be one of the leading models in its segment next year,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies.
With a refined, performance-oriented style with a sleek silhouette and an aggressive stance, the All-New Optima K5 was named ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2011 Red Dot Design Award.
From its auto-leveling HID xenon headlamps and LED-Daytime Running lights at the front to its dynamic and sporty profile to the LED rear combination lamps, the All-New Optima K5 has been labelled one of Kia’s most stunningly designed vehicles.
Through its 18-inch alloy wheels, side garnish, chrome door handles, gull-wing folding side mirrors and lowered stance, the All-New Optima K5 exudes both a sporty and elegant appeal.
Inside, the All-New Optima K5 features a plush leather interior, a high-tech and luxurious supervision cluster and a multifunctional steering with controls for audio, ECO-driving, Auto Cruise-Control and Bluetooth.
For the driver, the All-New Optima K5 is fitted with an 8-way electronically controlled seat with an integrated memory seat function which retains settings for two drivers based on their seating position.
Adding the overall ambience inside the All-New Optima K5 is a panoramic sun roof that is retractable in the front, an Infinity audio system connected to 8-speakers, a six-CD changer, AUX, iPod and USB connectivity and a dual-zone air-conditioner.
Other technological features in the car includes push-start ignition, auto-headlights, auto-wipers, a rear view camera display on the rear view mirror while the supervision cluster displays useful information such as engine oil service reminder, tire rotation service reminder, distance to service, fuel economy and steering wheel alignment.
Underneath the hood, the All-New Optima K5 is equipped with a fuel efficient Theta II 2.0 dual CVVT engine that produces 165 PS and 198 Nm of torque that is fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled through steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
The fuel consumption of the All-New Optima K5 on a combined cycle is 7.6-litres per 100 km.
The All-New Optima K5 also features an ECO control that optimises the drive train operation for the best fuel consumption.
Once engaged, the ECO control optimally adjusts the ECU, transmission and air-conditioner compressor to reduce the All-New Optima K5’s fuel consumption by 9.1%.
The drivability of the All-New Optima K5 is further enhanced through the use of a High Performance Damper (H.P.D) system at its suspension to deliver more responsive and proportionate damping action on both smooth and rough driving surfaces. This in turn results in improved riding comfort, efficient steering and enhanced handling.
The aerodynamics of the All-New Optima K5 receives a boost from its low ground clearance, front bumper lip and wheel deflectors that are aligned with the vehicle’s sleek profile to produce a coefficient drag of 0.29.
For safety, the vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Program comprising of EBD, ABS, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, six-airbags, large brake discs for improved braking performance, front active headrests, child seat fixtures at the rear and a speed-sensing auto door locks.
“The All-New Optima K5 is a class ahead of its competition. With this vehicle, we will be able to take the Kia brand to new heights in 2012,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia Malaysia.
The All-New Optima K5 comes in snow white, bright silver and platinum graphite. The latest entrant to Naza Kia Malaysia’s model line-up was unveiled to the media at the launch of the new Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya outlet.
The Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya outlet is the first of its kind in Malaysia and the second such outlet in Asean.
Featuring Kia’s new modern space identity, the Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya is a 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet and will serve as Naza Kia Malaysia’s flagship outlet.
With a strong emphasis on design and modern architecture, the new Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya is set to be a landmark and one of the most recognisable buildings alongside Federal Highway.
“In 2012, we will open another Kia Red Cube either in the northern or southern region. At the same time, 27 of our existing outlets are currently being upgraded to incorporate Kia’s new space identity,” said Datuk Hafiz.
The All-New Optima K5 has an on-the-road price of RM143,888.