Kia Optima cheaper model arrives

Supplies to Australia were originally capped at just 1000 cars when  the Optima Platinum hit local showrooms early in 2011 with a $36,990 pricetag, but now the gates have been opened and a second model joins the lineup. 

The Optima Si has the same mechanical package but less equipment, allowing it to sell from $30,490. It's a mark that continues to undercut the Hyundai i45 and similar mid-sized rivals including the all-new Toyota Camry. 

Kia Australia is also not ruling out a third Optima model to fill the $6000 gap between its two cars. The big breakthrough comes with extra supplies from Korea, after delivery restrictions throughout the past year. 

"We are confident of getting more supply. From now," says Kia spokesman, Kevin Hepworth. "The launch of the Si will be January 20 and we have an assurance that there will be improved supply of that car. Around the world there are  some sales falling off, so they are placing the cars and that is  giving us a better bite."

The Optima has not hit its original Australian target but Hepworth says supply is the biggest problem. "To the end of November it was 775. It's probably going to be 800 or 850 sales for 2011, says Hepworth. "For next year, we're not giving numbers." 

The Optima Si still has a 148 kiloWatt, 2.4-litre petrol engine but the cabin has been downgraded with cloth trim, manual seats, and less punch in the stereo. But it continues with the reversing camera, Bluetooth, auto aircon and six airbags of the Platinum.

Mechanically, it gets smaller 17-inch alloys and front discs, while the LED running lights, sunroof and rear spoiler from the Platinum have also been dropped.Into the future, Kia says there won't be an Optima wagon but the Australian operation is still pushing hard for a performance model. 

"There isn't a station wagon variant of that car. Hybrid is still not a high priority car," says Hepworth. "The Optima Turbo is one we continue to ask for, but there still isn't a right-hand drive program." There will be a small tweak to the Platinum model by March with the introduction of satnav, which will also be migrated into Kia's Sorento and Sportage SUVs.

"It will be sooner rather than later. It's not decided yet if it will be standard or optional," says Hepworth. "The Platiunum will also get satnav availabiity from the first quarter this ear. Probably earlier rather than later. It's not decided if it  will be standard, and the same applies to Sorento and Sportage."