KIA Magentis · photos, packages and modifications

The Kia Magentis was known as Optima in Australia and America and had mechanical similarities with Hyundai Sonata. The only difference between the Hyundai car and the Kia car was the fact that the options and the body were different. Starting with the year 2003, this car saw restyling done every year, which eventually led to the emerging of the new generation in 2006. The new generation saw alterations made to the grille, the mirrors as well as the head lamps. This car was also produced as a joint venture production with a local automaker in China.

The Magentis was released in 2001 and there was an urgent need for a facelift in the year 2003. The actual car had technical similarities with the Hyundai Sonata since they had the same platform. The facelift in 2003 saw different changes which included changes to the front grille, the head lamps as well as modifications to the badge of the Kia. There were changes in the interior as well although they were minor. The alterations continued to occur until the year 2006, when a new generation emerged, which saw the model completely redesigned and sharing no identities or platform with the Hyundai Sonata.

This sedan which was midsized and has four doors was available in different names including Optima in Australia and United States and the Lotzein in South Korea. The second generation of the car actually has the same platform as the Kia Crens or the Kia Rondo.