The facelifted Kia Optima has appeared on Kia Malaysia’s official website, with two engine options being listed, including a turbocharged unit for the GT variant. Full pricing details have yet to be provided but the refreshed D-segment sedan will start from RM 169,888.

Visual changes on the exterior are similar to the Optima sold in Korea and Europe, starting with vertical slats for the brand’s iconic ‘tiger nose’ grille. The GT version gets a different grille design that features a V-shaped mesh pattern instead. There’s also a new bumper that sports larger corner inlets, with either LED or halogen fog lamps, depending on trim level – LED headlamps appear to be standard.


At the rear, the LED combination taillights now come with new graphics within them; the reflectors are pushed slightly higher; and there’s a revised diffuser piece. The GT variant gets dual, oval-shaped exhaust outlets as before, whereas the non-GT models get a single unit instead, along with a set of 18-inch fan-design alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres (235/45).

The Optima’s cabin retains the familiar dashboard layout as before, with the most noticeable revision being the new steering wheel design. Available features include a 4.3-inch multi-info instrument cluster display, ambient lighting, eight-way powered front seats with memory function, keyless entry and start, paddle shifters, rear sunshades, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charger, Smart Shift & Drive, and an electronic parking brake.


The GT variant seen here comes with black/red leather upholstery, a good helping of ‘GT’ badging and a powered sunroof. On the safety and driver assistance side of things, listed items for the Optima are six airbags, Around View Monitor with Parking Guidance (AVM), Parking Distance Warning-Forward (PDW-F), and Parking Distance Warning – Reverse (PDW-R). Other items such as stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system are to be expected.

There are two engine options seen on the microsite, with the first being the Nu 2.0L CVVL naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that serves up 163 PS and 196 Nm of torque – wasn’t offered when the fourth-gen (JF) Optima launched here. The other option is the turbocharged Theta 2.0 T-GDi for the GT with 245 PS and 350 Nm.