Al Majid Motors Co, the sole distributor for Kia Motors in the UAE has introduced the 2009 Optima midsize sedan at the Rashidiya Ball Room of Bustan Rotan Hotel, Dubai.

The refreshed Optima offers a completely modified exterior, presenting a more aggressive, dynamic style than previous models, and is outfitted with a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy.

The 2009 Optima is also larger than its predecessors, which complements its distinctive new styling and separates itself from other vehicles in the growing midsize segment.

'Optima is in a strong position to change the way consumers think about midsize sedan offerings,' said Samir Tayeh, president of Al Majid Motors - Kia.

'Already known for its exemplary quality, safety and value, Optima's sleek new redesign provides consumers with a sporty, fuel-efficient choice and showcases Kia's commitment to providing the best all-around vehicle package.'

The 2009 Optima is presented with new front, side and rear styling cues, which build upon Kia's philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The fog lamps and lower front grille have been enlarged and the headlamps narrowed to create an aggressively sharper look.

Wider side garnishes add sportiness while the acute front lines continue toward the back, ending on a distinctly edged trunk lid.

To complete the redesigned rear fascia, taillights are narrowed to enhance Optima's sleeker cosmetic appearance.

Face Lift Optima is available in value-priced LX and luxury-oriented EX trims.  Already available with Kia's Rio, Cerato models, the EX line provides another dimension for Optima buyers looking for a comfortable midsize.

The 2009 Optima's overall length also increased, extending nearly two inches in the front and one inch in the rear, to an overall length of roughly 189 inches.

The larger proportions enhance the exterior styling for a lower, leaner, more powerful stance. All other dimensions, including wheelbase, remain unchanged.

The 2009 Optima has introduced new engines - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder or a 2.7-litre V6 engine - and manual or automatic transmissions. The four-cylinder delivers 164 horsepower, an increase from the previous generation.

The available 2.7-litre V6 engine remains a carryover but output has been increased to 193 horsepower.

It is mated to a five-speed, gated automatic transmission. All automatics feature Sportmatic clutchless shifting.

The introductions of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) further enhance Optima’s new under-the-hood excitement. These added systems improve the vehicle's fuel economy without sacrificing power.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilises independent front and rear suspension systems.

MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are joined with coil springs and anti-roll bars as standard equipment on all models, to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

The style makeover continues into the Optima's cabin with expanded electronics melded with refreshed fascia patterns and colour schemes.

Based on a new platform, the standard audio system features MP3 compatibility, which was added to 2008 models.

The rest of the centre fascia and floor console receive minor tuning for even more intuitive operation whereas the new barrel-type instrument cluster design adopts a sporty red illumination. Optima continues to offer two seat trims in grey or beige colour schemes – cloth (LX), leather (EX).

Amidst the host of additional options, Optima still offers an array of standard features such as Air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, cloth seat and door trim, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat as well as 60/40-split folding rear seats etc.

EX models upgrade to a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic functions, leather seat and door trim, leather-wrapped shift knob, automatic temperature control, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.

As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Optima is equipped with many safety features.

This includes driver airbag as standard (dual advanced front airbags as option), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts, brake assist and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) - a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at- heart - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands.

More than 1.4 million vehicles a year are produced in 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 165 countries. Kia today has over 33,000 employees and annual revenues of almost $17 billion.

It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. Kia is an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup - as well as a Eurotop partner of Uefa.

Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - 'The Power to Surprise' - represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. - TradeArabia News Service