This is a follow up post to my earlier post on the 2011 Kia Optima (Magentis). These photos are live images taken from the New York Auto Show. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words and the world can finally see the all new Optima in its full glory.

These live images confirm my initial impression that the new optima scores better in the looks department as compared to its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. The alloy wheel design resembles those from a certain European make. The bumper is joined to the car body at a 45 degree (around there I suppose) angle and I like that treatment as it gives the car a coupe-like touch. The display car at the new york auto show seems to be fitted with red coloured brake caliper. I am doubtful that it will be a standard feature throughout the new Optima range, perhaps only reserved for top end high performance variant. Under the hood, we find three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II powerplants: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or a 2.4-liter hybrid. The 2.4-liter GDI engine delivers 200 hp while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers an impressive 274 hp. The 2.4-liter hybrid engine will be introduced in 2011.

Will the new Optima enjoy the success of its smaller sibling, the Cerato Forte, in Singapore ? I believe it can, given the smart marketing strategy by C&C.