When the new Kia Optima arrives in Ireland at the end of March, it will provide the fast-growing Korean brand with a very attractive mid-sized car, tilting at its cousin Hyundai i40, VW's Passat, Ford's Mondeo and Peugeot's 408, writes Brian Byrne from Nice.
The new Optima has a strong European flavour to its styling and will be brought to Ireland with a 136hp version of the 1.7 diesel engine which has been used in a number of vehicles in the Hyundai-Kia group. In terms of motor tax here it will be a B-rated car.
The Optima in Ireland will also be available with an automatic version.
Prices and Irish specification haven't yet been finalised, but in European markets it will be sold under the banner of 'Affordable Luxury', with a high level of technology and comfort items as standard.
A hybrid version will be coming down the line in the second half of 2012, with a 2.0 petrol engine and an electric motor which combined will provide 190hp.
Hyundai has also refreshed the Soul B segment crossover, with specification upgrades including 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
A new generation cee'd will be launched in mid-year.
