Kia pulls one out of the hat

The Kia Optima has emerged as one of the surprise packages in the New Zealand market.

Sales of the upgraded V6 model ($27,990) have been so strong that Kia Motors New Zealand has increased orders from the factory in Korea.

"We have been pleasantly surprised by the public reaction to the Optima - it is selling well ahead of our expectations," says company general manager John Keenan.

"When we repositioned the Optima we believed it would appeal to buyers looking for a highly equipped vehicle for the money rather than a high-price, high-performer.

"The demand created by the Optima illustrates just how many people actually prefer this type of vehicle."

Keenan says that the Optima's sales success was a key factor in Kia's passenger sales increase in the second quarter of 2005, up more than 100 per cent on the same quarter last year.

The previous 4-cylinder, 2-litre Optima is no longer in the line-up, replaced by the V6 2.5-litre model that Kia equipped with an extensive list of standard items, including traction control, anti-lock brakes, front and side curtain airbags, climate air control, cruise control, power sunroof, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry/power doors, leather upholstery/leather steering wheel/leather gear knob, woodgrain interior trim, alloy wheels, fog lights and CD sound system.

The revitalised V6 Optima is part of a product offensive aimed at boosting sales and brand presence for Kia.

It comes hard on the heels of the introduction of the new Kia Sportage 4WD, new Kia Cerato 2-litre hatches and sedan and new diesel version of the full-size Kia Sorento 4WD.

In gaining a 2.5-litre V6 engine, the Optima now sits comfortably above the Cerato.

The 24-valve engine also powers the top Sportage model, delivering 129kW (173bhp) of power at 6000rpm and 241Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

It is mated to a four-stage sequential shift transmission, offering a choice of fully automatic and clutchless manual operation.

Kia Motors Corporation is part of the Hyundai group and is one of the fastest growing carmakers in the world. It was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer.