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.