The current shape Kia Optima has really won a following all of its own in the US, where its good looks, and powerful turbocharged petrol engines make it a firm favorite – the fact that they sell it as a hybrid helps too.
Now, the Korean automaker has revealed an updated version of the car in Frankfurt, that’s due to go on sale in Europe, in the early part of next year. It brings forth styling changes reminiscent of the Cee’d GT, as well as “improved specifications and high-end features.”
Plus, they also say that interior quality is up too, which is good, because all of the cars that it goes up against in Europe have very good interiors – seriously, no duds come to mind here…
At the front, we have a redesigned fascia, with new headlights and fog lights, as well as a reshaped grille. New 17- and 18-inch rim designs are available too, as is a ‘Sport Pack’ that swaps out the standard grille for a black mesh one, adds more chrome as well as a matte-black diffuser at the back and unique rims not available on other trim levels.
It also comes with more technology inside, such as an ECO mode that changes the engine map for improved efficiency, a self-explanatory Sport mode and better infotainment and audio setups too. The engine range remains unchanged, giving buyers the option to get either a 1.7-liter diesel or a 2.0-liter petrol engine – most will go for the former for obvious reason
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
