The Kia Optima has been given a facelift in Korea, where its known as the K5 in its home market. The revisions include changes to the D-segment sedan’s design as well as the addition of new technologies.

At the front, there carmaker’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille is still present, but has now been tweaked to feature vertical slats instead. The bumper is new here too, with a redesigned lower apron and more prominent fake corner intakes. Depending on the selected variant, you’ll either get LED units for the headlights and fog lamps, or projectors and bulb-type ones.


There are four wheel options that range from 16- to 18-inch sets, the largest available in a multi-spoke or sporty two-tone design. Moving to the rear, the taillights now come with new graphics within them and the reflectors have made their way upwards. A revised diffuser section accompanies these changes as well, with integrated oval-shaped exhaust outlets.

Moving inside, the Optima retains its familiar dashboard layout but gains a newer touchscreen infotainment system. Elsewhere, there’s a new steering wheel design, optional quilted leather seats and even LED ambient lighting.


Other features available include a Krell sound system, heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control with Cluster Ionizer, rear sunshades and an electronic parking brake. The Optima is also available with a surround-view camera system and Highway Assist – the latter includes adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems.

Engine options include three four-cylinder petrol units – 2.0L CVVL (163 PS/196 Nm), 2.0L LPI (153 PS/196 Nm with a manual, 151 PS/194 Nm with an automatic) and 1.6L T-GDI (180 PS/265 Nm). There’s also a sole diesel option in the form of a 1.7 litre unit with 141 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and automatic, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch – for diesel and turbo models only.