Impressive 4-point LED fog lamps applied to the refreshed Optima sedan.
Kia has listened to their customers in the European marketplace and have responded by delivering an upgraded Optima that sees improvements in design, technology safety features and a pretty significant upgrade in style and refinement.
Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer oversaw the project, with his design touches all over the new headlights, fog lamps, rear lights, bumpers and wheels.
Starting at the front of the new Kia Optima you will find that the LED daytime running lights have moved from the bumper into the headlight.
That changes brings it into line with other Kia models. The fog lamps have also undergone a change, set into a body color panel as opposed to the black of old.
Also included are 4-point LED fog lamps that give the car a stunningly dramatic appearance, whilst mirroring the look of the lamps on the new Kia Pro_cee’d GT.
The styling upgrades also include the option of 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels designs, whilse the body gets a sharper-edged boot lid.
Staying in the rear, you will find LED light clusters, as well as red reflectors that have been raised and set horizonatally.
Euro-Spec Optima offers a “Sport Pack”
Drivers looking for more a distinct style to their new Optima can opt for the Sport Pack, which will be made available on select trim models.
Chrome touches, a black mesh front grille, stunning 18-inch alloys and a matt-black diffuser are just a few of the touches that come with that particular upgrade option.
The interior has been designed with the driver very much in mind. The instrument cluster has seen some rather detailed changes, as have the steering whee, center console seats and much more. All of the changes give the cabin a much more luxurious feel.
There are, depending upon spec level and market, the interior will be either black or come with a beige two-tone finish.
Entry level models will see a flat level finsish on the upholstery, with mid-spec models getting a splash of leather. The top of the range comes with a full-leather option.
The new instrument cluster comes with a larger (4.3-inch versus 3.5-inch) TFT LCD screen, along with more detailed info and better graphics. The new steering wheel features all of the remote controls on the horizontal spokes.
The center console comes with a 7-inch infotainment screen with a black high-gloss finish. The switch panels in the armrest will have either sating black or high-gloss finishes, depending upon the model.
Satin metal replaces chrome on the interior door handles. The seats have also been redesigned to deliver more comfort, which includes ventilated front seats that can deliver warm or cool air.
Mechanical changes result in lower noise levels
Both drivers and passnegers will benefit from the changes made in an effort to try and decrease the noise level in the cabin.
A dynamic damper was fitted to the rear suspension cross member and improved materials were also used by Kia engineers to deliver a noise level that is 3.3 decibels lower than the outgoing model.
Enhanced gasoline & diesel engines, ISG system
European customers will have the choice of a pair of different engines on the new Optima.
The 2.0-liter 165-horsepower petrol engine and a 1.7-liter 136-horsepower diesel are carried over from the previous model, with the diesel option likely to be the one that generates the most sales in Europe.
The highly-eficient four-cylinder engines in the refreshed Optima will be mated to either a 6-spped manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Engine efficiency was important in the deisgn of the new Kia Optima, which is why such additions as an overrunning alternator decoupler and an innovative battery management system were included.
That cuts way back on CO2 emissions, while the addition of the ISG system adds even better fuel efficiency.
No more spoilers
No, please keep the SPOILER!! It looks great on my KIA OPTIMA TURBO!!!!! Best car I ever had-I love it. My most prized material possession!!! Thank you KIA> BTW: Can you make the seats a little softer, please?
Please also keep my favourite COLOUR!!!! Santorini Blue Metallic!
When can I test-drive the 2014? When will they be out? Did you add a few more horses? LOL!