3rd Gen Kia K5

Kia's executive midsize saloon, the K5, has been on the block for almost a decade with two generations on the beat and for this third generation, the all-new K5 tries to survive the genre critically endangered by the crossovers that are selling like superheroes. Although not as super as it looks and feels, the all-new K5 prepares for a risky gamble with futuristic looks, interior, performance, and tech.

2020 Kia K5

Starting at 23,510,000 Korean Won (about US$20,200) MSRP, the third-generation Kia K5 is the Korean automaker's make-it-or-break attempt to restore the saloon genre by all means necessary with its new design, performance, and technology that will surely be the trending topic in the motoring public, whatever that means.

First and foremost, the styling, and while it claims to be the most futuristic-styled sedan to date, it's worth puzzling to observe, judging by its weird-looking headlamps that is not as weird as the Hyundai DN8 Sonata months ago where the DRLs stretched towards the body lines. On the back of it, it bears close resemblance from its big brother, the recently facelifted K7 Premier, and on the side, the Stinger-like curves are very streamlined indeed.

2020 Kia K5 interior

The inside is where the new K5 earns it because of the right blend of technology and comfort way beyond its premium status. The sat-nav, for instance, feels like it came from BMW. Then, there's rotary dial selector instead of a gear lever like you get in a Jaguar. And, finally, tons of luxury gimmicks such as the ambient light system, 8-inch HUD, 12-speaker BOSE sound system, voice commands, and the digital key feature where users can use a smartphone in place of a carkey to open a car. Very high-tech indeed and because it feels almost like a luxury car, it's not a bad car to get cozy with. Boot space's above average either.

2020 Kia K5 Hybrid

In addition to the 2.0L CVVL petrol engine, the new K5 is powered by a brand new Smartstream 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 180PS of power and 27kgf-m of torque with fuel economy expected at 13.8km/L combined. The former is mated with a 6-speed AT while the latter is mated to an 8-speed AT. Interesting.

For those who are looking for some added range should go for the Hybrid variant with up to 20.1km/L of fuel economy combined, courtesy of its hybrid powertrain which consists of a 2.0L petrol engine, electric motor, and Li-ion battery, not to mention the 6-speed automatic gearbox mated to it.

To keep its sporty and luxury status, which is almost interesting for a Korean-made sedan like this, the new K5 features ventilated disc brakes, MacPherson Struts, and rear Multilink suspension, keeping the car's momentum in bay for the sake of refinement.

2020 Kia K5

As most cars going all in for technology, the third-generation Kia K5 comes with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as Rear View Monitor with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, and a new Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows users to use the car key to remotely get the car in and out of the parking space. Sounds very secret agent-ish but flattering.

So, what's the word on the third-generation K5? Although the styling is west of weird, the value for money, the interior, the tech, and the performance really ticks the boxes rather well and although the new K5 lacks the charisma of the first one from the year 2010, which got everyone's attention in the beginning, it is worth a shot in the critically endangered sedan genre and looks like the new model is onto something for the whole world to see.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K5 (JF) - 2019 minor change

The current-generation K5 (JF), known in world markets as the Optima, is now undergoing a 2019 minor model change and for this minor change, Kia's midsize saloon takes flight with a revised look and features that will keep the K5 afloat for more.

2019 Kia K5

2019 Kia K5

On the exterior, the latest minor change features a more slanted version of Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille as well as a new front bumper, new rear lamps, and new wheel options ranging from 16 to 18-inch sets, among many others revised for this minor change. On the inside, the steering wheel's new, new quilted leather seats, new LED ambient lighting that changes depending on the driving mode you set foot, KRELL Premium Sound, and some new software on the sat-nav provided by our folks from Kakao.

Annoyingly for this minor change, the more powerful variant has been omitted as well as the others, which means the choice of engines available on this facelift is now down to a 2.0 CVVL, 1.6L T-GDi, 2.0 LPi (for taxi fleets), and a 1.7L diesel engine. A hybrid and a PHEV might come out later on but in the meantime, those looking for some oomph should go for the 1.6L T-GDi while those looking for some more distance should go for the 1.7L diesel with the combined fuel efficiency of around 16.1km/L. Lesser variants are mated with either a 6-speed manual or AT but high-end ones get a 7-speed DCT.

Safety wise, the 2019MY K5 now comes with a surround view monitor and Highway Assist consisting of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems, just to keep the journey home smooth as a grass whistle.

The 2019MY K5 starts at 22,700,000 Korean Won (around 1.1 million PHP).

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, and Gravity Blue.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

The powerhouse lineup of the brand new Kia K5, consisting of petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, got upped with the addition of the plug-in hybrid variant. With the PHEV variant now added, the whole K5 range is complete...almost.

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid interior

The new K5 Plug-In Hybrid offers the same fuel-efficient stuff you get in the regular Hybrid model but now with added range courtesy of its 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack that can be recharged within various amount of hours courtesy of its 220v charger that can be plugged at home or can be charged at most charging stations anywhere.

It's powered by a 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output, which is connected to an electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, resulting to an overall power output of 202PS and combined fuel efficiency of 16.4km/L. 44km in all-electric mode. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, just so you know.

Just like the regular Hybrid, the K5 Plug-in Hybrid still has the most clever aerodynamics for a fuel-efficient saloon. There's the Active Air Flap, which automatically engages when travelling at high speeds, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment for cooling measures.

Like all variants, it comes with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking and Advanced Smart Cruise control, just to keep this car safe on the road ahead.

The new K5 Plug-in Hybrid starts at 39,600,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal Hybrid variant of the K5 but for such pricing, this range-extending variant of the K5 is a key turning point for Kia's fuel efficient vehicles right from their portfolio. Things are shaking up in the world of PHEV cars with this newest variant, though.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia All New K5 (JF) Hybrid

The hybrid version of the Kia K5 (known as the Optima in the global market) has been reintroduced in the latest generation and the new K5 Hybrid features an upgraded powertrain as seen on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid as well as some unique aerodynamic features that will make this hybrid saloon quite noticeable to some.

2016 Kia K5 Hybrid

When the new generation Kia K5 was launched, it's been offered with a wide array of petrol and diesel engines available and with the inclusion of a hybrid model, there are different K5 models to choose from and for this hybrid model, it combines fuel efficiency with clever aerodynamics that is quite surprising.

One such example is the new Active Air Flap on the front. When travelling at high speeds, this unique aerodynamic feature automatically engages, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment for cooling measures, That's scientific, yet very clever for a hybrid car of this magnitude.

Just like its Hyundai Sonata Hybrid cousin, Kia's new K5 Hybrid comes with a 2.0L Nu GDi engine, which produces 156PS of power, connected to an electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox, it promises  17.5km/L of fuel consumption, that is depending on the size of the alloy wheels.

And like the normal K5, the new K5 Hybrid comes served with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking and Advanced Smart Cruise control, keep the car in momentum for the road ahead.

The K5 Hybrid starts at 28,240,000 Korean Won plus additional costs for optional extras depending on the variant. With the hybrid now in the new Kia K5 range, expect a plug-in hybrid model coming very soon.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia All New K5 (JF)

2016 Kia K5

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the all new Kia K5, better known to the world market as the fourth-generation Kia Optima, and while it looks nearly the same as the previous model, it's an entirely new model that is ready to have everyone interested on having one of these more than its Japanese and European rivals.

2016 Kia K5

For this new model, there are two designs to choose from; the MX model for those who are looking for something civilized and the SX model for those who want to live out a sporty lifestyle after office hours. Most models do come with 2.0L petrol, 1.7L diesel, and a 2.0L LPi but exclusively for the SX model; two turbocharged direct-injection engines are available such as a 1.6 T-GDi and a 2.0 T-GDi. What bothers me the most that the 2.0L T-GDi engine is now designed from the ground up and it produces 245PS of power, which is 26PS less than the previous model's 2.0L turbo engine. That's quite of shame for power-loving car enthusiasts. The 1.6L T-GDi engine, which is new to us, produces 180PS of power and that's not bad for a small engine of that size.

For 2.0L variants, a 6-speed automatic gearbox is standard, but on models equipped with smaller engines from a 1.6L T-GDi to a 1.7L diesel, they're equipped with a new 7-speed double clutch gearbox, a first for a Kia.

2016 Kia K5

Because the latest-generation K5 (codenamed JF) uses the same underpinnings as its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata (LF), it has multilink suspension setup which allows this saloon to handle like a European car, as a theory. For safety reasons, the new K5 has a brand new Auto Emergency Braking system which detects incoming objects on its twelves and triggers and automatic braking in an event of a pre-collision. It also comes with an Advanced Smart Cruise control which detects the distance to the car in front of the separate acceleration/braking distance while driving. Useful for highway driving.

2016 Kia K5 interior

Like the previous model, the interior comforts aren't so bad and it's very tech-savvy as well thanks to its convenient features such as an available JBL surround sound system, rear-view camera, available sat-nav with a touch-screen, and the UVO telematics sytem which allows your smartphone act as a carkey for your K5.

The new K5 begins at a reasonably 22,450,000 KRW which is surprisingly cheap than its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, but you'll gonna need more moolah if you want to spec it out to your liking. Still, you can afford one than any other European midsize saloons, making it a great value for your buck. If there are doubts, you'd better be off with models with a 7-speed DCT, even the one with the smaller 1.6L T-GDi engine, because while the new dual-clutch gearbox is questionable, that small engine feels nippy and it's easy to live with.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pluto Brown, Gravity Blue, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia K5 Hybrid 500h

The Kia K5 Hybrid (known globally as the Optima Hybrid) gets the facelift it deserve and not only the minor change occurred for Kia's answer to the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord Hybrid but also it gets a whole new name under the banner of K5 Hybrid 500h.

Kia K5 Hybrid 500h

Again, Kia adopted a new naming for their new "ECO hybrid" lineup that goes (number goes here)-0-0-h. For the hybrid version of the K5, it's going to bear the 500h subname, same thing for the K7 Hybrid 700h I've tackled earlier.

For the newest version of the K5 Hybrid, you can see that it inherits the same minor change as its petrol equivalent that was launched earlier this year but it incorporates some signature looks for the hybrid model such as HID headlamps, LED foglamps, a choice of 16 or 17-inch alloys, revised rear lamps, and of course being a hybrid, it bears the "ECO hybrid" badge.

Kia K5 Hybrid 500h interior

Kia K5 Hybrid 500h interior

The same case of inheritance goes for the interior because not only it came from its normal petrol equivalent but it even comes with an updated software in the form of UVO 2.0. In case you're asking, UVO 2.0 is the second-generation of Kia's infotainment system which smartphone app provides a completely new level of car telematics, parked vehicle locator, and advanced vehicle relationship management free of charge. Who needs car keys when you can have a smartphone integrated to this car? A bit clever but a bit serious.

Kia K5 Hybrid 500h

You still have the same Nu 2.0 MPi engine which produces 150PS of power and 18.3kg-m of torque but the electric motor that connects it is now enhanced from the former's 30kW to the latter's 35kW. The engine connected to the electric motor and the Li-ion battery, it's up to the driver to choose whichever driving modes to see fit, whether if its running on EV only, running on normal petrol engine, or running on both. It's like having two hearts except this isn't wibbly wobbly timey wimey. This is automotive science.

And having learned their lesson from the whole Hyundai-Kia fuel economy fiasco regarding that their fuel economy figures are overstated and caused them lawsuits, the K5 Hybrid 500h has a fuel economy of 16.8km/L combined. It maybe just a major drop from its former glory but hey, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, right? But still, it's not as fuel efficient as the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord Hybrid.

As for the weight, the K5 Hybrid 500h weighs at around 1570kg, meaning that's just a few kilos heavier than the Toyota Camry but about a hundred less than the Honda Accord Hybrid, theoretically.

Because the suspension has some McPherson struts in the front and multilink at the back, the K5 Hybrid 500h feels more clever and serious as any other cars using this kind of suspension setup. Yes, there are some multilink cleverness going on around here making it a good effort all round, well that's a theory.

The K5 Hybrid 500h starts at 30,360,000 Korean Won for the base Luxury model up to 33,530,000 Korean Won for the top-of-the-line Noblesse model. Available colors are Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Aluminum Silver, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia -The New K5-

If you look back at Kia's midsize sedan called the K5 (known worldwide as the Optima), you could be forgiven thinking that it is one of the most successful midsize sedans sold in South Korea. The fact is though, it isn't because ever since the ninth generation Camry arrived in South Korea, it toppled down every single car in its category, including the Kia K5, thus winning the 2013 South Korean Car of the Year. The Koreans are not pleased...

So, since its world premiere in New York earlier in the year, Kia finally showcased The New K5 just in time for summer in South Korea and it's been built for one purpose: to offer mid-size sedan consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed the brand.

2014 Kia K5

Now, when they said new, what they mean is that this is a "minor change" for this midsize sedan. It's a cosmetic facelift done for the K5 ever since its debut in April 2010. What Kia says that The New K5 is the cornerstone of Kia's design evolution and epitomizes the goal of producing cars that are highly attractive and value for money. Underneath the bonnet lies three different engine types;

First is the Nu 2.0L CVVL engine which produces 172PS of power. Second, a Nu 2.0 LPi engine that runs on liquefied petroleum, the same kind of fuel that was used to cook your meals, which produces 155PS of power when mated with an automatic or 157PS of power when mated with a manual transmission. And finally, for the enthusiasts, a more robust 2.0-liter Theta II turbo GDI (T-GDi) engine which delivers the power of a V6 while maintaining the fuel consumption of a 4-cylinder engine. 271 PS of power and 37.2kg-m of torque.

It's too complicated to explain why and I've been barred by Kia Motors from explaining them properly so instead, here comes a kindergarten explanation...

2014 Kia K5 interior

The issue was the way it handles and although Kia says that even though it has a performance on par with the other European midsize saloons, it's somewhat too confusing for newbies many but even though it's confusing, the dynamics is not quite bad. It still comes with a sportier suspension and a steering tuning, therefore delivering better handling and better driver feedback but as a concept, it's a bit too firm and it would rather faint at the wrong hands if you're not quite careful. What's new on The New K5 is this: the Drive Mode Select which allows the driver to adjust transmission shift points and steering weight, offering owners a customizable driving experience. You can select in either Normal, Sport, or Eco, respectively. Setting in Normal mode feels like...um...you're riding in a kiddie ride at your nearby convenience store. Eco Mode feels like...um...you were having a piggyback ride with your parents while you were a baby. And when set to Sport Mode, it's more like...you're getting fell off from the tail end because of the cloud density.

2014 Kia K5

And getting fell off from the tail end is the redesigned front and rear fascias and the brand's signature "Tiger Nose" grille. An updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid adds even more aerodynamics on the once-successful design, and lighting them up are striking front LED positioning and fog lights, along with clear, newly designed LED rear lamps. As for the interior, there's a new 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster on the dashboard, available 8-inch Navigation System, new seat designs, and a new steering wheel look.

And then, there's a The New Price; it's now 20,250,000 Korean Won for the entry level model up to 29,950,000 Korean Won for the top-of-the-line model.

Anyway, Toyota Motor Corporation, you and your Camry thingy. Your gauntlet has been picked up by a familiar foe from the Land of the Morning Calm...

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Platinum Graphite, Satin Metal, Abyss Blue, Smoky Blue, and Aurora Black Pearl.



Photo: Kia Motors

COMING SOON: 2014 Kia K5

2014 Kia K5

Coming June 13, 2013, Kia Motors will reveal the facelifted version of the Kia K5 (known globally as the Optima) midsize sedan to the South Korean motoring press. This car has been around for three years since its debut in June 2010, with the addition of hybrid and T-GDi a year after, but for 2014 model year, The New K5 is looking pretty fresh now with new LED foglamps, revised front, revised rear lights, new interior, and the addition of Flex Steer.

Specs remain scarce for now but some say it will have either a non-turbo 2.0L or a 2.0L Turbo GDi included on the 2014 Kia K5. Look for it this June 13, okay? Here's a pre-launch ad...

New Nu 2.0L CVVL engine, effective on 2013MY YF Sonata and K5

Hyundai YF Sonata

Kia K5

Effective on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata (쏘나타) and the 2013 Kia K5, they are equipped with the new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine that replaces the Theta 2.0 MPi engine. The all new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine produces 172PS of power and 20.5kg-m of torque. This will provide a maximum fuel economy of 14km/L but if you come with an "IDLE STOP & GO" option, it will achieve 14.8km/L of fuel economy. This is going to be the first Korean-made vehicles to come with a Continuous Variable Valve Lift technology ever to be on sale in South Korea.

Nu 2.0 CVVL engine

Scoop:

1) http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1578

2) http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=890

Kia K5 Hybrid's Guinness World Record sets standards

2012 Kia K5 Hybrid

Gotta admit it that the Kia K5 Hybrid (Kia Optima Hybrid) has set a Guinness World Record for using just 5.5 tanks of petrol in a 14-day, 12,712km cross country trip all over the United States of America.

With Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius behind the wheel of the Kia K5 Hybrid, this trip achieved an amazing fuel consumption of 27.44km/L (about 64.5 miles per gallon or 3.6L/100km).

It's amazing that the Kia K5 Hybrid is the best vehicle for a very long road trip not only because it was spacious, comfortable, and fun-to-drive, but also the parallel gasoline-electric powertrain benefited the best fuel efficiency on highway driving. Now I'm sure most Koreans would go for the Kia K5 Hybrid because of its Guinness World Record that exceeds expectations.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/kia-optima-hybrid-sets-guinness-world-record

Kia K5 Hybrid gunning for Guinness fuel economy record!

2012 Kia K5 Hybrid

The Kia K5 Hybrid (known as the Optima Hybrid) is all set for the Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption in a gasoline hybrid car while traveling all the 48 states of the USA!

This is a long journey for the Kia K5 Hybrid but fans will track the Kia K5 Hybrid's cross-country trip via Twitter and a special Facebook app on Kia's Worldwide page.

Can the Kia K5 Hybrid achieve that goal on the cross-country trip throughout the United States? Find out!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/kia-to-attempt-guinness-fuel-economy-record-with-optima-hybrid

Minor adjustments to the world best

2012 Kia K5

For the 2012 Model Year, Kia updated the K5 (Optima) mid-size sedan with the following:

- Replacing the Theta 2.0L LPI engine is the Nu 2.0L LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) engine and the 5-speed auto upgraded into 6-speed auto. Power output is 157PS, torque output is 20.0kg-m, and fuel economy of 10.5km/L.

- Idling Stop feature now available

- Active Eco System

- Vehicle Dynamics Control

Scoop:

http://www.megaauto.com/newcar/carinfo_body.php3?carinfoid=46978&family_id=icomes&menu_id=472&val=&Nstep=2&beforeyear=&frame_id=5&frame_url=list/drive.php3?id=54479

Aside from the new Nu 2.0L LPi engine, available engines include the Theta II 2.0L MPi engine, and new Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDi engine. Kia K5 Hybrid packed with the Nu 2.0L MPi engine with Li-ion battery also available as well.

Kia K5 (Optima) Turbo GDi Advert

The Kia K5 (Optima) Turbo GDi variant was released a few days earlier, about July 11, 2011 I think. There was a commercial for that...

Hyundai YF Sonata and Kia K5 received the much awaited 2.0L Theta II L4 Turbo

2012 Hyundai Sonata F20 Turbo GDI

2012 Kia K5 T-GDI

The wait is over. Both the Hyundai YF Sonata (known in Australia as the i45) and the Kia K5 (known worldwide as the Optima) received the much awaited 2.0L Theta II 4-cylinder Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine and yes, the new engine provide the power of a 3000cc engine with the 2000cc fuel economy. Need to repeat again? 2000cc fuel economy with 3000cc power.

Scoop:

For the Hyundai Sonata F20 Turbo GDI:http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=594

For the Kia K5 Turbo GDI: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1463

Power output for the Theta II 2.0L Turbo GDI engine is 271PS while torque output is 37.2kg-m.

That's all I can say. Those two mind-numbing Korean executive medium sedans finally received what they've been waiting for; a turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine. This would be more exciting for the hardcore Korean car enthusiasts looking for some thrills after dark.

Heh, don't expect both the Sonata Turbo GDi and the Kia K5/Optima Turbo GDi come to the Philippines, yet...

And we're still waiting if HARI and CAC decided to bring the hybrid versions of the Sonata and K5/Optima.

What do you think?

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. Kia K5 Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Kia K5 Hybrid

What can I say? Both the YF Sonata Hybrid and the K5 (Optima) Hybrid were launched yesterday in South Korea. They're both equipped with the Nu 2.0L MPI engine with 30kw electric motor providing almost 200 ps of power output. They're both armed with a Li-ion battery which is essential for the EV mode. I guess both the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Kia K5 Hybrid shared the same technologies but I wonder which of these executive hybrid medium-sized sedan is my pick?

CASE ONE:

The South Korean market finally gets the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid after months of waiting for this variant to come since the 2010 New York Auto Show debut. What's different is the front view that ditches the grille from the current-generation Hyundai Sonata and the front bumper has some kind of an hexagonal hole on it, as part of the Fluidic Sculpture. With the concept of "New Thinking, New Possibilities", the Sonata Hybrid is a different kind of hybrid you'll ever face on the streets of Seoul. I am highly appreciated over the Sonata Hybrid's exterior design but I think it needs to be more better.

CASE TWO:

The Kia K5 Hybrid/Optima Hybrid is the latest addition to Kia's award-winning K5/Optima sedan. It remained its Tiger Nose grille while the front bumpers and tail lamps were changed to be more "down to earth" and this is one of the coolest design flow I have ever seen in the history of hybrid cars. What I don't like are the rims because they are much more hideous to see than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

It's up to you to decide which of these two Korean executive hybrid sedans is your pick.

Kia K5/Optima Hybrid

After winning its 2010-2011 Korean Car of the Year, the red dot design award, and the Product Design award 2011, Kia Motors celebrated the K5's success by offering Korea's finest executive medium-sized sedan with a hybrid variant of the K5 (known to the world market as the Optima), the all-new Kia K5/Optima Hybrid.

2012 Kia K5 Hybrid

2012 Kia K5 Hybrid interior

This is ecology to the world best, the Kia K5 is based on the blockbuster K5 sedan with some minor touches to make it more aggressively nice. What differs the gasoline-fed K5 to the K5 Hybrid are the front bumpers, EcoDynamics badge on the side view, and a different view of the tail lamps. This design made it more sophisticated and highly aggressive than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and with the trademark Tiger Nose grille penned by Peter Schreyer, expect the K5 Hybrid's design to the world best.

Same thing from the Hyundai YF Sonata Hybrid, the Kia K5 Hybrid is powered with the Nu 2.0 MPI engine that produces 150 PS of power output but it can be turned into 191 PS thanks to the 30kW motor attached to it. It even has the Lithium-ion Polymer battery, which is a perfect match to use the K5 Hybrid's EV mode when you're not in a hurry, saving some gas and saving you some money. Unlike the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Kia K5 Hybrid is the most aerodynamic production hybrid medium sedan in South Korea because of the Tiger Nose grille that absorbs a lot of air, giving you a straight push to South Korea's finest executive hybrid medium sedan that is not your ordinary hybrid medium sedan.

On an uphill climb, both the Nu 2.0 MPI engine and the Li-ion battery are active but at a downhill climb, the Li-ion battery is presently active.

The Kia K5 Hybrid attains the highest fuel economy in its class because 21km/L of fuel economy is as far as she goes and it is mated with a clutch and a six-speed automatic transmission connected to the engine and the electric motor, allowing the vehicle to run solely on the electric motor at low speeds.

The Kia K5 Hybrid is available in three trim levels such as Luxury, Noblesse, and Prestige and it comes with four available colors such as Snow White Pearl, Satin Metal, Light Graphite, and Ebony Black.

My Comment:

Both the Sonata Hybrid and the Kia K5 Hybrid are arch rivals, showing which executive hybrid sedan is the pick among Korean executives. The Kia K5 Hybrid shared its success from the Kia Forte Hybrid LPi, the brand's first LPG-powered hybrid car that shares the functionality of Hyundai's Avante LPi Hybrid. We don't which of these two are fit for environmentally-conscious drivers like us but to me the Kia K5 Hybrid's design makes it an obvious pick over the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Let's hope that Ginia Domingo, the head of Columbian Autocar Corporation, add the K5 Hybrid to the queue of upcoming Kia cars in the Philippines and I hope she'll not mess up with the pricing for sure. I think I might be seeing another overpriced hybrid sedan. If you're in a hurry, why not request this to Hancars? Since Hancars are highly-respected in offering new grey market cars from South Korea, I expect that Hancars are willing to accept reservations to the K5 Hybrid, ahead before Ms. Ginia Domingo green lits the distribution of K5 Hybrid as the Optima Hybrid to the Philippines soon. I hope....

Photo: Kia Motors

Winning the Korean COTY award makes the Kia K5 an EPIC RIDE!

2011 Kia K5

Launched at the Busan International Motor Show since late April 2010, outclassed the YF Sonata in sales, now famous for its "Epic Ride" advert, Kia's K5 (known worldwide as the third-generation Optima) awarded as South Korea's 2010-2011 Car of the Year!

Scoop:

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2934008

AWARD!

Once you're driving the award-winning K5, brace yourself with the policeman, bad guy, God of the sea, alien, and the ancient chief come getting their hands on Kia's world best medium sedan that is not your average midsize sedan.

Anyway, congratulations for the Kia K5/Optima for winning the award!

Now, South Koreans will have to wish for the T-GDi variant and the hybrid variant of the epic K5 to come to the South Korean market soon! ^^

Kia K5 and Forte GDi Hatchback in Athena

With Athena: Goddess of War ended in SBS a few weeks ago, and waiting for to be aired in some countries including Japan, Hong Kong, USA, or even the Philippines (we want to see it on our TV sets soon!), it might be best for me to remember that Kia Motors collaborated with Athena for some collaboration TV commercials. Kia K5 (known worldwide as the new Optima) and the Forte GDi hatchback were shown on these special commercials, even they were featured on the coolest TV drama.

If both of these Kia models (the K5 and the Forte Hatchback) and the TV drama arrived in the Philippines soon, we can all enjoy those action-packed moments!

How do you say "that hurts" in Korean?

The Kia K5 (Optima in the world market, replacing the Magentis nameplate), the best midsize sedan in the eyes of enthusiasts, seems to be out from the frying pan and into the fire as it faces major recall due to accelerator pedal issues!

Scoop:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/10/2010121000361.html

Ack! But how can I say "that hurts" in Korean?

Subaru Legacy viral campaign pokes fun at some old Kia Optima...

That's odd...

Upon Facebook-ing myself for some Cafe and Mafia, I notice some weird ad about "Mediocrity". I clicked it and it sends me to some site about a very weird old Kia Optima/Magentis labeled Mediocrity. Even the TV ads take part of it.

I checked it out, roaming around stuff, and boy, isn't it weird? Everything beige? What Mediocrity? So when I clicked at some part, it sent me to this:

Subaru Legacy B4

Fight Mediocrity. That's the slogan for the Subaru Legacy from U.S. I mean seriously, manual, Boxer engine, Symmetrical AWD, and not a single speck of beige, is that it? Hmmm... guess Subaru of America got us again!

Mark it as an epic fail because Kia countered it with the new Kia Optima/K5.

Kia K5/Optima (Euro-Spec)

With this new look, I'm sure the Subaru Legacy will be the other Mediocrity, for now. Gotta admit it that both the Subaru Legacy B4 and the Kia K5/Optima are superb and cool. Most 4WD fanatics would go for the Legacy but for those who are interested in Korean cars (like us because of the CRDi engine) would go for the Kia K5.