The All-New Kia Optima K5 just been awarded the People’s Choice Car of the Year at the New Straits Times (NST) – Maybank Car of the Year 2012 awards held on 29th Nov, 2012; having been selected by members of the public during the annual NST-Maybank COTY2U 2012 Autoshow from 9th – 11th Nov 2012.
The Kia Optima K5 was selected by visitors to the auto show who were provided a nomination form to place their selection as to which of the 67 cars in total was their choice pick. However, the votes were not just limited to those who attended the show and also included readers/subscribers to the News Straits Times newspaper, where the forms could be found within the weekday editions and were subsequently required to be mailed in.
The D-Segment K5 made its official debut into the Malaysian market towards the very end of December 2011 and received named ‘Best of the Best’ during the 2011 Red Dot Design Award for its performance-oriented styling and overall aggressive stance.
Just to recap what’s helped make the K5 such an attraction to buyers probably started from its long but distinguished list of features that could be had, beginning with it’s auto-levelling HID Bi-Xenon headlights, LED-Daytime Running lights, LED rear-combination lamps, 18” alloy rims, gull-wing folding side mirrors and an overall low yet sporty stance that exudes elegance – personified by the its plush leather interior, a high-tech and luxurious supervision cluster and a multifunctional steering with audio controls, ECO-driving, Auto Cruise-Control and Bluetooth connectivity, an 8-way electronically controlled driver’s seat with 2 memory functions.
Also available are a pair of panoramic roofs both forward (retractable) and aft (non-retractable), an 8-speaker Infinity audio system, six-CD changer, AUX, iPod and USB connectivity and a dual-zone air-conditioner, push-start button, auto-headlights, auto-wipers, a rear view camera (viewable via the rear view mirror).
Power comes in the form of the Theta II 2.0L dual-CVVT (Continuously Variable Vale Timing), producing 163bhp and 198Nm of torque that’s coupled to 6-speed automatic transmission which comes with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
The drivability of the All-New Optima K5 is further enhanced through the use of a High Performance Damper (H.P.D) system at its suspension to deliver more responsive and proportionate damping action on both smooth and rough driving surfaces. This in turn results in improved riding comfort, efficient steering and enhanced handling.
The aerodynamics of the All-New Optima K5 receives a boost from its low ground clearance, front bumper lip and wheel deflectors that are aligned with the vehicle’s sleek profile to produce a coefficient drag of 0.29.
For safety, the vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Program comprising of EBD, ABS, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, six-airbags, large brake discs for improved braking performance, front active headrests, child seat fixtures at the rear and a speed-sensing auto door locks.
As of 31st Oct, Naza Kia Malaysia has sold 1,370 units of the All-New Kia Optima K5.
