Passenger Car

Kia Optima

“My biggest challenge to date is also the most fascinating project I’ve ever worked on: creating a brand identity for Kia and thus giving the brand a family face,” says Peter Schreyer, chief designer at the South-Korean car maker Kia. The D-segment model Kia Optima combines a distinctive design with excellent handling characteristics and modern accents. A strong shoulder line, structured edges and powerful wheel arches give the Kia Optima an elegant and athletic appearance. A driver-oriented interior and high-tech attributes in the interior emphasise the comfort and elegance. The small but highly efficient engines with six-in automatic and manual transmissions underline the pleasure for driving.

Statement by the Jury

By giving an award to the Kia Optima, the jury has sent a signal: with the new mid-size saloon by the South-Korean car maker, the designer Peter Schreyer has created a design which brings Kia a considerable step closer to the leading, international car makers. With well-balanced proportions on the front, back and sides, the Kia Optima makes a new entrance for Asia. The high-quality interior equipment addresses driver expectations of comfort levels and contributes to the overall excellent impression and enjoyment the jury gained from driving the car.

Red Dot: Best of the Best