Kia Optima (Republic of Korea, 2001-2006)

Launched in 2000 as a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Optima is a mid-size four-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors and marketed globally through various nameplates.

During its first generation, between 2000 and 2005, the model was marketed Optima in most of the markets, except in Europe and Canada where it was called Magentis. The first generation car was based on the Sonata, having minor exterior styling details and equipment content compared to the Hyundai model.

Launched in South Korea in November 2005, the second generation of the Optima, was mostly known as the Magentis, except in the United States and Malaysia. It was also known as the Kia Lotze in South Korea. For this generation the model differed further from the Hyundai Sonata than the previous model.

The third generation of the Optima had its world debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show and followed the new design language featured on the Kia Forte, Kia Sorento...