[Doggie 1]

I saw one of these (in silver) in Perth CBD yesterday and it looked superb.
I really liked it and probably a bit more so than the i45 dare I say. 
We only get the top model with all bells & whistles in Australia.
But when I came home I googled it and was very disappointed with the interior. The Hyundai is streets ahead IMHO in that regard.
To me the interior looks very 1980's. 

[2i30s]

very nice looking car ,but the interior looks a bit bland,especially the dash/radio area. 

[Dazzler]

Hi Dave I've made a couple of detours to the closest Kia Dealer (60kms away) to look at one of these in the flesh but both times they haven't had one.. It won Eco-Car car of the year a few issues back. The general concensus is that it is a looker (but I still haven't seen even one on the road down here)

It apparently handles and rides slightly better than the i45 and has the same GDI engine with something like 148Kw of power and 7.9LPH overall economy. Maybe the interior looks better in the flesh 

[Doggie 1]

Hi Dave I've made a couple of detours to the closest Kia Dealer (60kms away) to look at one of these in the flesh but both times they haven't had one.. It won Eco-Car car of the year a few issues back. The general concensus is that it is a looker (but I still haven't seen even one on the road down here)

It apparently handles and rides slightly better than the i45 and has the same GDI engine with something like 148Kw of power and 7.9LPH overall economy. Maybe the interior looks better in the flesh 

It would want to. It just looks dated to me and I don't want to drive in a red light district.
I have to say though, that on the road it stood out, black glass roof, LED DRLs - a good looker.
They are in short supply in Australia apparently with only a limited number coming in but futures models will include the lower spec cars too.
My local Kia dealership didn't have any either. They did have two - both sold, and they don't know when they're getting another one.
The DRLs & spoiler may be a sign of things to come from Hyundai 

[Dazzler]

Yeah Kia and Hyundai are sure on a roll (nice for them to be struggling to keep up with supply ) seeing some nice new shape Elantras and Excels cruising around Devonport  (nice colours too)

[Doggie 1]

Here's one!

http://www.carsales.com.au/bncis/details/kia-optima-2011-11667644?vertical=Car&cr=8&eapi=2&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294964895%204294964885&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1|Mileage:Min,Max|Year:Min,Max|Seats:Min,Max|EngineSize:Min,Max&sort=default

And a "cheapie"

http://www.carsales.com.au/bncis/details/kia-optima-2011-11731139?vertical=Car&cr=14&eapi=2&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%204294964895%204294964885&distance=25&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~1|Mileage:Min,Max|Year:Min,Max|Seats:Min,Max|EngineSize:Min,Max&sort=default

[Dazzler]

Looks nice in black (but I wouldn't have a black car) Lot of money $41,000

My Hybrid Luxury is listed at $39,990 but you you pick one of those up for mid thirties (I still love it) 

[Doggie 1]

The other one is $36000 drive away 

[Dazzler]

Now you're talking..  (looks good in that colour too) Would you drive to Victoria and drive it back 

Nice little video with that link too...

[Doggie 1]

No, I think with the kms I do I need a diesel 

[rustynutz]

seeing some nice new shape Elantras and Excels cruising around Devonport  (nice colours too)

I assume you mean Elantras and Accents?   

[Dazzler]

seeing some nice new shape Elantras and Excels cruising around Devonport  (nice colours too)

I assume you mean Elantras and Accents?   

Yeah them too 

[Doggie 1]

I went to John Hughes and also Joe Crisafio Kia today and took a couple of photos of the Kia Optima.
There is now a lesser model Optima without the 'roof & DRLs etc (we previously only had the top model).
JH had two demos, both top models, and they both had gutter rash on the front left wheels. They are particularly susceptible to kerb damage which is worth noting.
The lesser model with 17" rims and cloth upholstery didn't quite have the same street appeal.
The dash, which I criticised before, does actually look better in the flesh than in photos IMO but I still prefer the Hyundai dash.
Apologies for the quality of the pics - I tried to get interior shots but the reflection killed it.

[Dazzler]

Thanks Dave.. I am guessing they look better in the flesh than in photos seeing as they are getting rave reviews for their styling.. Looks wise I'm on the fence..

The i45 Premium is also very susceptible to gutter rash 

The new Kia Rio is a bit of a looker in the flesh (dressed with nice alloys)

[accim]

I like the agressive look of the Optima and most new Kia vehicles. But still..I prefer the Hyundais i-flow design..