6th September, 2012
The Kia Optima, like the Hyundai Accent, has been a ‘bread and butter’ family sedan since its introduction to the Nigerian auto market – at least two out of four Nigerian families have grown up with memories of having one of these vehicles around, if not learning how to drive in one, or at least having an uncle or aunt that has one.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or have been in deep hibernation for the last few years, you’ll know that things just can’t remain the same – things are more complicated now. Peter Schreyer widely known as Mr. Kia, the German chief designer of the Korean car manufacturer can be singled out as the biggest contributor to Kia’s rapidly rising fortunes in recent times.
That was why when Dana Motors, authorised dealers for all Kia models in Nigeria took motoring journalists to Peninsula Resort in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, for a road test, the long distance and the usual snarl in traffic couldn’t deter any.
That simply captures the feeling and concern of almost a dozen motoring writers from the motoring press who attended the all important Kia model line presentation prior to the test drive majority of whom were concerned about developments in the automotive circles.
The model line presentation was to expose the latest innovations in all Kia models, especially the new Rio, Optima, Cadenza and Sportage.
Also available for the test-drive were the Mohave and Sportage SUVs, as well as the Cerato and Picanto. The four hours ‘torture the Kia’ models from the Resort centre to the second toll gate revealed the huge improvement in the models in terms of road handling, engine performance comfort and safety.