Naza Kia Malaysia has introduced the new Optima EX,
which sits below the range-topping GT with a price of RM 139,888 (on-the-road
sans insurance). That makes it RM 30,000 cheaper than the GT, and unlike the GT,
the entry-level D-segment sedan gets a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated engine.
The 2.0L CVVL engine puts out 163 PS and 196 Nm of
torque, and is paired with a six-speed conventional automatic. That’s
considerably less than the GT’s 2.0 T-GDi mill, which packs 245 PS and 350 Nm
of torque. No performance figures have been detailed, though.
In terms of design, the Optima EX gets the “vertical
intaglio grille,” a slightly different twin projector LED headlights design, as
well as a new lower intake with horizontal bars instead of the GT’s mesh-type
design. The LED fog lamps are identical to the GT’s. Other exterior features
include LED combination tail lights and 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin gets powered driver’s seat with
memory function, black fabric seats, electric parking brake, smart key with
push-start button, as well as a seven-inch infotainment system with Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay functionalities. It also gets a 360-degree Around View
Monitor, a feature that wasn’t available in the previous Optima EX.
There are three colour options, starting with Aurora
Black, Snow White Pearl and Platinum Graphite. Again, the Optima EX is priced
at RM 139,888,and the price includes a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
