It’s barely been two years since Kia rolled out the
current Optima. But the Korean automaker is already giving it a bit of an
update. The
refreshed Optima benefits from a new front bumper (and rear bumper on the sedan
version), along with a chrome-trimmed tiger-nose grille, and new head, tail,
and fog lamps.
The cabin is also spruced up with a new steering
wheel, satin-chrome trim, and upholstery options. There’s a new drive-mode
selector, with ambient lighting either switching with the mode selected or
manually selectable.
GT Line and GT models feature new LED fog lamps as
well, along with gloss-black exterior accents, fresh interior trim, and dual
exhaust tips.
A new shade of red is introduced with the updated
model, and there are new wheel choices across the board. The manufacturer has
taken the opportunity to updated the advanced driver assistance features, too.
But the bigger change may be under the hood, where Kia is offering new engine
options.
A 1.6-liter diesel replaces the current 1.7-liter
unit, and there’s a 1.6-liter turbo with 177 horsepower, slotting in between
the base 2.0-liter engine and the top-of-the-line, 242-horse GT performance
model.
Both sedan and wagon versions will continue to be
offered. They’re set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week before
reaching dealers across Europe later this year. Expect similar revisions to
make their way into the American model as well, but we’ll have to wait for
official confirmation on that bit.
