If the 2016 Optima was on your near-future wish list, then get ready to fall for what could arguably end up being the best looking car in its segment.
Like it or love it, the KIA Optima has always been on our good side as far as how we thought a mid-size sedan was supposed to look like in the 21st century. Whether you enjoyed it’s sporty yet futuristic lines, it’s pseudo-Jaguar XF styling or the way in which Clippers forward Blake Griffin dunked over it a couple of years back, there’s no denying that KIA were on to something with this car.
Of course, we’re talking about the 3rd generation model, the one that came out in 2010 – not any of the previous two generations which were as inspiring to look at as a lettuce.
Now there’s this, the all-new 2016 KIA Optima, looking to carry on the mantle of “best-selling KMA car” for the past three years. Despite riding on a longer, wider and most importantly stiffer chassis, the new model looks just as athletic as before – which was important because with this car the goal was never to turn it into something that’s perhaps too big and too stylish.
It’s design is instantly recognizable thanks to the raked A-pillar and sweeping C-pillar. If we were to nitpick, we could say that for some reason the front end is less aggressive than it was with the previous model and the taillights aren’t as good looking. But we look forward to seeing what all of you think about how the two compare.
The 2016 car gets to ride on alloy wheels ranging from 16″ to 18″ (with three new 18″ wheel designs) and there are also three new exterior colors we could talk about. Vibrant blue, Dynamic Grey and Deep Red all sound delicious.
On a side note, there’s no way this car wouldn’t look even better on a set of 19″ wheels. No way.
Inside we have a larger and more comfortable-looking cabin than with the previous model. There are also more soft-touch materials than before, which as you know is key to giving you that special “premium” feel. The seats are also new and feature soft foam in the headrest, upper back and tight-support areas which should make for a really comfortable experience. Depending on trim level, the seats can be covered in either cloth, leather or Nappa leather.
The all-new Optima is available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder unit, married to a 7-speed Dual Clutch box (DCT). The other two powerplants (2.4 GDI & 2.0 GDI turbo) have been brought over from the previous generation and are expected to produce 185 HP and 247 HP respectively.
The 1.6 liter turbo unit is good for 178 HP and a stout 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque, and all three engines go about their business using front-wheel drive only.
As for tech, the 2016 Optima features KIA’s UVO connectivity system which comes standard with four additional eServices: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. There’s also a rear-camera display, while SX and SXL trims come with the 360-degree Around View Monitor.
The driver gets even more help thanks to other systems such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Bi-function HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps and the intuitive High Beam Assist.
While it hasn’t been priced yet, we do know that sales for the all-new 2016 Optima will start in Q4 of 2015.
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