Wheels

Kia Optima spots fresh design, powertrains

Published

8 years ago

February 27, 2018

Kia Motors Europe has introduced a range of design enhancements and new engines for the new Kia Optima. Sold in Europe as a sedan or Sportswagon, the car makes its debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, and is due on sale across Europe in Q3 2018.

The Optima range benefits from two new powertrain options: Kia’s all-new ‘U3’ 1.6-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) diesel engine, and a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine. As well as refreshed exterior and interior design, the new Optima also features Kia’s latest active safety and in-car connectivity technologies.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The Optima enjoyed a record year of sales in Europe in 2017, with sales growing from 9,600 to more than 16,800 units last year. It is a key contributor to Kia’s sustainable growth in Europe, and the Optima’s sales momentum has been maintained through the introduction of new variants in 2017.

These include Sportswagon and high-performance GT variants, and an ultra-low emissions Plug-in Hybrid powertrain.

“With a model to meet every requirement, the Optima’s refreshed design, new engines and expanded range of technologies will further broaden its appeal, for corporate and private buyers alike.”

Kia’s designers have made a series of modifications to the Optima’s exterior design. These include a revised front bumper design, as well as new LED tail-lamps and a revised design for the head- and fog lamps. Sedan models also feature a new rear bumper design. The ‘tiger-nose’ grille features a new bright chrome finish to create a more sophisticated, purposeful appearance.

The Optima is available with Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) creating an intelligently safe vehicle with active safety technologies to avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions.

The Optima’s new Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system combats distracted or drowsy driving by monitoring a number of inputs from the vehicle and driver. It sounds a warning chime and displays a graphic in the instrument binnacle if it senses a lapse in concentration from the driver. In Europe, driver fatigue is believed to be a key factor in up to a quarter of all fatal traffic accidents across the continent*. The USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. In the USA, this results in an estimated 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries annually.**

Other safety features available on the Optima include: Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition***, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); High Beam Assist (HBA), and full LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light. These technologies make the Optima one of the safest cars in its class.