Kia K5 (Optima Mk.III)

Previously on November 2009, Kia Motors unveiled the majestic premium sedan, which is rumored to replace the Opirus, known as the K7. (Also known as the Cadenza in other markets) The K7 sedan made an appearance on KBS' action drama that was recently ended a few months ago titled IRIS, starring Lee Byung-Hun. (The promo video made car and K-drama addicts amused) This month, while we are waiting for ABS-CBN to take the distribution rights for this action drama, Kia unveiled another kind of K-machine that is the Lotze's replacement machine and it will be on sale the same date as Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker debuts Asia-wide and soon in the world market as the third-generation Optima. For the big bosses in South Korea, welcome to the world of K5.

2011 Kia K5

In case someone forgot how the naming occurred since the K7, this K-alphanumeric naming on new cars was part of Kia's new naming scheme, inspired from Citroen and Audi, to giving this Korean brand a taste of the West. The "K" stands for Kia Motors, the brand's birthplace (Korea), activeness (kinetic), and sense of judgment. (Kratos) With Kia's new "tiger nose" grille, as seen on present Kia models, including the Sportage R, the K5 achieved a sexier design thanks to the mastermind of Kia design himself, Peter Schreyer. When attaining its feistier form, the K5 is extremely glamorous from the front and the rear view is very attractive to the consumers. The latest Hyundai Sonata cannot stand a chance to the K5's form that is the most seductive medium sedan for adults.

2011 Kia K5 interior

While the exterior is mostly rated M for mature, the K5's interior is rated E for everyone. It looks similar to the upcoming Volvo S60, but honestly, Mr. Schreyer put a lot of hard work deciding how the inside of the K5 looks like and how will this interior attracts men from their bossy ages. With the heated steering wheel, found on the K7, added to warm the driver's cold hands, the K5 adds a new feature called Biocare seats. These new seats summon some fresh air every time when you seat inside. This seating feature is similar to the Sportage R.

2011 Kia K5

The K5's packaging is truly rated XXX for excellence, exceptional, and experience. It has the K7's welcome system that allows the car to open by itself once the owner is approaching the K5. It even has the active eco assist to increase fuel efficiency when cruising on the long and winding road. In addition, paddle shifters are added on the K5 for agile shifting on the run, giving this medium sedan the thrill of the sports car. For safety, the K5 has a list of features such as the lane departure warning system, side airbags, and vehicle dynamics control. The K5 has two different engine variants to choose from;a 2.0L engine with the power output of 165PS and the fuel economy of 13.0km/L and the high-end GDI 2.4L (found on the YF Sonata) with added 36PS of power output and the same fuel economy of 13.0km/L.

My thoughts about the K5:
Slated for Korean launch the same day as Peace Walker arrives this April 29, and soon in the world market, the K5 is not only the Korean medium sedan that is coming to us, only the desire for revenge that tickle a driver's vanity. Actually, I like the rear view of the K5 because it is more of a charm than the YF Sonata is. The present-generation Samsung SM5 seems primitive to tickle one's vanity, but this machine is burning with passion of becoming the top of the Korean medium sedan battle. This car is rated M for majestic.


Photo: Kia Motors America (U.S. Spec Version shown, Korean specification car may vary)