Kia Optima is refreshed with new look and improved engines
The popular saloon and estate car has been updated for 2018 and will make its debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show
The Kia Optima is being given a mid-life refresh, with new powertrains and an updated exterior design for 2018.
Applied to both saloon and Sportwagon bodystyles, the new car will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week before going on sale in the summer.
It’s now offered with a 1.6-litre ‘U3’ diesel engine, which has been designed to be as clean and efficient as possible. Replacing the earlier 1.7-litre CRDi unit, the new engine features Selective Catalytic Reduction technology, which helps control and reduce emissions. It produces 134bhp and 320Nm of torque, giving it more than enough performance for daily driving.
In addition, the new Optima is available with Kia’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It already features in the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Kona, and will slot in the range between 161bhp 2.0-litre and 242bhp 2.0-litre powertrains currently available with the Optima, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
A new drive mode selector has also been added to the Optima. This allows the driver to choose between ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Smart’ modes and change the way the car behaves. In Sport mode, for instance, more weight is added to the steering, while the throttle response is sharpened.
Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, said: “The Optima enjoyed a record year of sales in Europe in 2017, with sales growing from 9,600 to more than 16,800 units last year. It is a key contributor to Kia’s sustainable growth in Europe, and the Optima’s sales momentum has been maintained through the introduction of new variants in 2017. These include Sportswagon and high-performance GT variants, and an ultra-low emissions Plug-in Hybrid powertrain.
“With a model to meet every requirement, the Optima’s refreshed design, new engines and expanded range of technologies will further broaden its appeal, for corporate and private buyers alike.”
The exterior of the Optima has also been updated, with GT and GT Line models now benefitting from LED fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black accents. GT Line specification cars now receive dual twin exhausts, too.
