Kia Optima prices announced

The Kia Optima will be priced from £19,995 when it goes on sale in the UK from February 1st, 2012. Targeting the family/executive saloon segment, the Optima will be up against the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and Peugeot 508.

Already on sale in Korea and the United States, nearly 300,000 Optimas have been sold around the world to date.

Available with just one a engine - Kia's 1.7-litre CRDi 134bhp diesel, the Optima comes in four different trims and with either a six-speed manual or fully automatic transmission. Fitted with a manual gearbox the Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi can go from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 125mph.

The manual version can achieve 57.6mpg and returns emissions of 128g/km pf CO2, the automatic measures 47.1mpg and 158g/km respectively.

With automatic transmission the Kia Optima comes with Kia's Neutral Control, a system that shifts the transmission from 'D' to 'N' when the car comes to a stop. This reduces engine load and overall fuel consumption. Drivers can also select between two driving modes - fully automatic for use in built-up areas, or drive, where the driver can perform manual changes via steering column-mounted paddles.

On sale in the UK in familiar 1, 2 and 3 trim levels, the mid-range 2 version also comes in higher spec 'Luxe' or 'Tech' variants. All models receive alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, electric windows, electric folding mirrors and a speed limiter.

Mid-range 2 models add solar glass, auto wipers, electric driver's seat, heated front seats, dual zone air conditioning, parking camera, iPod connectivity, a premium instrument cluster and paddle shifters on auto models.

Optima 3 models are fitted with a panoramic sunroof, automatic lights, Infinity audio system and touch-screen sat-nav with reversing camera. Xenon lights, full black leather, heated rear seats and an automatic parking assist system are unique to the 3. The specification also includes a smart key with stop/start ignition button, mood lighting and alloy pedals.

All Optimas comes with Kia's full seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Kia also offer its Care-3 servicing package, with prices starting from £299.

For more information visit www.kia.co.uk or to view the full Kia range visit CarBuyer's Kia reviews page.