Kia Optima

The Kia Optima/Magentis is a mid-size four-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors and marketed globally through two generations and various nameplates.

The car has been marketed as the Lotze (hangul:기아 로체) in South Korea, and as the Optima in the United States since 2001, Australia since 2001, and Europe since 2002. In Chile the first generation was marketed as Optima, and since as Magentis. In Canada it is marketed as the Magentis.

The Optima is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company, a joint venture with Kia.

2001

The 2001 through 2005 model year Magentis were mechanically identical to their sister car, the Hyundai Sonata. Thereafter the Kia Optima differed only from the Sonata in exterior styling and options.

2003

The styling of the Magentis/Optima was revamped for the 2003 model year. American models did not wear the Kia logo on the grille, but the Kia logo was used with that grille for Canada. The grille was redesigned for 2004 to feature the Kia badge, and the headlights were restyled for 2005.

2006

The revised Optima was launched in November 2005 in Korea; and for North America on January 9, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show, now differing to a greater degree from the Sonata. In Australia, the car was renamed as the Magentis.

Unlike the previous Optima, this vehicle no longer shares its platform with the current generation Sonata (NF) nor Hyundai Elantra (HD). It instead uses a global platform, unique to Kia, designated "MG," shared with the Kia Carens/Rondo.

The car continues to be built in South Korea. The current Optima/Magentis shares its 2.4L I4 engine with the Sonata, and uses a 5-speed "Sportmatic" automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.

The Optima received a crash test rating of 5-stars from the NHTSA and 4-stars from Euro NCAP.

2009

The Optima received a redesigned front end and new taillights for the 2009 model year. This facelift debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. In South Korea, it is marketed as the Lotze Innovation (hangul:로체이노베이션). The pre-facelift styling continues to be used on a new model called the Lotze Advance.[1] Noticeable differences from the North American model include LED taillights, different grille, and more options such as push-button start.