Naza Kia Malaysia has officially launched the Kia Optima K5 facelift – the refreshed sedan takes over from the original Optima, which made its local debut in late 2011. First unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March last year, and then seen at IIMS 2013, the mid-life rework of the third-gen TF arrives here in its 2.0 litre-engined guise, as before.
Not too many changes, exterior-wise – new front and rear bumpers get slapped on, and the fog lamps are now made up of four LED clusters on each side. The location of the DRL strips has also been changed, now sited on the top part of the HID Xenon headlamps (previously, located on the bumper). The front grille has also been given a minor revision.
Rear changes include an updated diffuser, a sweeping sharp edge to the trunk lid design as well as new LED combination lamps. The car also gets a new twin five-spoke 18-inch wheel design (wrapped with 225/45 rubbers), which is less showy than the flat-dish 10-spoke design worn by its predecessor.
No mechanical changes – the facelift continues on with a 2.0 litre CVVL Nu engine with 165 PS at 6,500 rpm and 198 Nm at 4,800 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance numbers include a 0-100 km/h time of 10.6 seconds.
Inside, you’ll find redesigned leather seats that offer better support and comfort, with the front seats being air-ventilated, as well as a Drive Mode Select feature on a racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel – the system primarily alters the transmission shift timing, throttle mapping and steering wheel weight for its three modes: Normal, Eco and Sport.
Also on, push button ignition, an electronic parking brake and a 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen instrument cluster with rear-view camera. Familiar kit includes dual-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof, eight-speaker Infinity sound system with AUX, USB and iPod connectivity, and powered front seats.
Safety-wise, the facelift Optima K5 comes with six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), ESC, EBD, ABS, TCS, brake assist, Isofix mount points as well as four front and four rear parking sensors.
Four colours are available for the car, these being Snow White Pearl, Satin Metal, Aurora Black and Smokey Blue – the last three colours are new to the facelift. The Kia Optima K5 is priced at RM149,888 on-the-road with insurance, and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
still prefer camry & accord in this segment.
K5 just look bluerrghhh over time..overdone
all uncles would agree with u
Honda Accord better, this JUNK has no RV.
optima exterior the best design of all d segment.
but the interior failed big time like Civic’s tiga suku senget dashboard.
Sam Loo wins again with his Camry…sigh
K5 is the only D-Segment sold in Malaysia that cannot be traded in for now
geT some life uncle… U buy toyota honda bcos of rv but actually u r buying the extra “premium” for the rv… We buy car to enjoy greaat tech featuures n safety which help our life n family in the car…
Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.
Prius got RV?
Kidding, it’s a fine car. But if you need the extra space at the same price, why not the K5?
Kia K5 is a long car. But the rear seat is design for people like me.
But It’s not spacious. 170cm tall and your head will feel the Roof Top.
Pls grow to be like my size – PSY i am game changer.
Have you driven Prius before ? Those who goes for Prius appreciate the Hybrid technology and green to the earth.
Those who can afford Prius will not bother on RV and if you are so worry on RV, you better stick to your MyVi.
sori nak bertanya sikit. RV tu apa ya? boleh saya tahu?
Hi Sin Ka, how do you know K5 is less reliable? are you a K5 owner? do you have the figure? Don’t be a blind korean basher when you are just driving your Proton Iswara 1.3
The K5 abit underpowered feel, other aspect still alrite.
Where do I get a new ‘Lexus – 8 airbags + all other safety features’ for RM149,888?
Otherwise you could recommend the new S-class too, it’s even more safe than the Lexus.
Poor Man’s Comment Spotted.
Poor man = those who have to buy Lexus because cannot affort S-class with latest tech? ;)
lol, u want a safe car, go get a tanker
Tank- Military tank.
Tanker- Oil tanker.
Please Google if you are unsure next time.
Whatever Koreans do, their RV will never improve.
In fact, over the past 15 year since the KIA SEPHIA days, the RV of kimchis has only declined exponentially
If you’re always stucked with the stupidity of buying a car for RV, just get a saga. U can’t lose much with that.
Or just skip buying luxury cars and get a property. You know you can’t make money out of buying cars here in Malaysia, do you?
a vw is a much better buy than this kimchi.
are you sure…do you own a VW or do you have friends that own it? Because almost all of my friends and colleagues that own a VW either keep sending their cars to SC due to engine or gearbox problem , some had even traded their car. I enjoy sitting in a VW but i feel sad for my friends and colleagues on their encounter…
Cant wait to see all hailat kimchi driver come trade in the car at 30% to my boss Sam after one year. Sam is a successful businessman, he drive camry with real standard. He will give Kimchi driver a bit more trade in value by 3%.
What’s wrong with these Koreans again? This car already way overdone and now they put in more lights and more make up. Overdressed, over make up.
Nive job kia… The game changer
Good job kia… The game changer
u call this a game changer? bollocks!
This is definitely a game changer.
The current model trade in value just took another nose dive. Great potential to export to ooverseas righ hand drive markets
Nice steering. Need more power though.
The 2.0T would be good.
Be prepared for the usual no rv junk car.comments from the usual suspects.
You know who’s worried about resale value?
Poor people.
WTF.. Poor people… Poor people doesn’t care higher or low RV coz most of them can not afford to bought one lerrr even new Modenas just a dream to them…
People can afford to bought this car are not “POOR PEOPLE”..
People who sweat for their money
the car is beautiful..but i don like the round centre of the steering wheel..it remind me of my saga blm steering wheel..nice spec though.
Too bad it doesn’t drive as good as it looks..
Did you test drive one ? or do you own one ?
awesome.. nice design..
better than previous design
Niceeeee. Flat bottom steering wheel with nappa leather shows that KIA is no Toyota and is willing to go the extra mile to pls its customer.
nice to see they are slapping all the good stuff from the K3. But seriously, 4.3 inches screen in 2014? Phones have bigger screens than that nowadays.
That 4.3″ instrument cluster sits between the rpm and speedo meter? Or is it the one on the disc player?
nice steering really ! unlike toyota’s flat steering
I believed you meant to said ‘ round ‘
Better design on sport rim… But I prefer Hyundai rather than Kia…
Look nice.. Sprint time so poor.. The owners can drag race with my Myvi.. Just let me know where & when.. haha
Price not very attractive.. RV?
“Not too many changes” ?
How many sold by the way?
Nicely done..this car has the elegant + sporty feel like most euro cars offers…would love to get one…
that fog lights LED looks like Blackberry…
Korean cars in malaysia is famous in overheating. Enough said.
i owned kia spectra and experienced overheating due to malfunction motor fan.but this K5 is the work of non korean.the president of kia is from audi i heard
Yes, you are right. His name is Peter Schreyer.
Hello, Peter is mainly involved in the looks design.
All the rubbish that gets shoved under the hood will give you countless nightmares on top of the low RV when you sell
Hellllo,this is the rv in Malaysia what’s matter to Peter Schreyer?Anyway, 3 more years later u will be begging in front of ur camry for the rv keeps dropping.
Yeah,he’s not mature in cars anyway.
I mean knowledge.Even his profile pic doesn’t make sense at all.
What do you want to tell here, please explain?
nice job kia.have full spec as in 2.4 accord plus 6 airbags !!keep audi engineers working with you
Nice interior and exterior, nicely specced as well…. But the head unit screen should be bigger and offers navigation service as well, at least as an option… The driving experience is not up to the class standard bearer, the Mazda 6, underpowered but it drives decently enough… Comfort levels and NVH also quite a bit lacking from the likes of Accord and Camry… But one thing I have to say, it is a very good car for the price, especially with regards to safety…
of course it provide nav as well.unlike accord 2014, nav and rear view cam just for 2.0L and 2.4 not
Kia Optima K5 does not provide navigation services…. Accord 2.0 VTi-L and 2.4 VTi-L comes with navigation as standard.. That is the most disappointing aspect in this K5, Kia should add Navi as cost option package, besides the engine which is just enough at best and underpowered at worst…
oh shit you are right mate..at first i watched on the youtube the K5 have much bigger screens with nav and i realised it is for other regions not for malaysia
My personal choice, i had rather go for inspira 2.0p over this
Different price range and segment, no comparison really…
lol where is RV guy??
At the Kia showroom, booking one.
The game changer officially launched.
Them KIAs do look nice nowadays. By the way, what’s with the M-style side gills?
why cant the new merc c class have rear lights like that? haish
Steering inspired by VW? But it looks nice thou. I like D shape. But seriously the TFT screen is way too small!
Would’ve been better if they brought the turbo engine in but other than that, good job by Kia & Naza Kia.
I agree with you… Kia should bring the 2.0 turbo or at least 2.0 GDI like the i40…
i looked on the utube,american and korean K5 have much larger screens with nav!bad naza..
Its a very nice car and im willing to overlook its lack of a big , more powerful engine in the lineup and its resale value.i have a friend that drives the pre-facelift k5 for almost 2 years now and has so far no problems and quite happy with her car.she just would prefer a softer ride tho (ex-prius driver she is )
As for me, Accord is more value for money, but nice design though..
Since forever,the Japs have been manipulating this market segment since the absence of worthy adversaries ..i.e rv… yet people,trends and taste have evolve..hope KIA got it spot on this time and lets the real game begin for consumers
It’s a car designed for people like me.
The rear seat is not spacious. If you are the average joe at 170cm tall. You will feel Kia Optima K5 Roof Top.
PSY – I am game changer.
Please grow like me. Fat n Short for comfortably sitting in this car.
Since forever,the Japs have been manipulating this market segment since the absence of worthy adversaries ..i.e rv… yet people,trends and taste have evolve..hope KIA got it spot on this time and lets the real game begin for consumers
Cheh.. RV so important meh? Choose tis car lah! Camry and accord really cnt compare with this car lah! Tis car is full of safety features and it looks more classy on the inside. I wonder hw come ppl buy car jux becox of its RV.. Buy a car for selling purpose instead of driving and enjoying purpose? Aiyohh Toyota ahh really influences many ppl ahh RV RV =3=
KIA, these days come with Sky-active pricing !
My last Kia was Picanto @46K CBU
I feel abit annoyed the fact that, i couldn’t rest my elbow while driving this car. maybe it’s just me..
with this price tag… honestly, i better off with new Accord…
in coming Proton Accordana v2 will make u malu on the road while driving Honda accord
looks gorgeous. everything looks fine inside. so attractive with that panoramic sunroof, passengers are enjoy with this feature especially kids.
4.3 TFT LCD offering is a joke in this segment. Will be a tough sell against accord that already offers 8″ screen + additional 5″ screen for radio at similar price.
E-parking brake! Other than the power everything is good.seriously naza needs to bring 2.0T…i need k5 owner to voice out any issue with this car…so many of them in 2nd hand market with less than 10k millage
This is really a nice car with good overall specs given and being CBU with that price tag its not too bad either.
Only worry is about the engine and looks like a heavy car with 70 litres for a full tank for a 2.0 makes me also wonder if it drinks more fuel than other D segment cars like the new accord/camry 2.0
For Singapore market, this new facelift Kia K5 got the 2.4 engine, which would be just nice for power to weight ratio but not too sure for this 2.0 K5 Nu engine.
I’m not into RV, I would rather spend my money for a more comfortable and full safety equip car with all the new gadgets build in already rather than forking out more for an accord/camry/508/mazda 6/Teana ….. I’m also not looking to race with this car, just so there is enough power available when you need to move and drives decently well.
K5 owners, please help…provide more feedback on the car, especially those who have the 2.0 Nu Engine before this facelift model, let me know whether you all made the wise choice moving over to this K5 … by the car my current car is a Perdana V6 going strong even after 11 years but it’s time to add another car to my list and also to have another car with better safety features, don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to keep my perdana V6….it’s been a really a good car to drive especially on the highway and when the v6 kick in especially going uphill leaving other 4 cylinders to bit the dust :)
so far the most comman complaint is the car is underpower, look at the century mark. Others for parts or things that senang rosak..warranty can cover. as far as RV ever consent Accord is the Best choice now, the comfort is superb after they improved the sound insulation which is sucks in both civic and accord for the 8gen.
If you can topup lil bit Passat is in better department since nu melinia car must at-least has E-handbrake. So both of this car is in par. Sticky handbrake and footbrake is sooo 90s merc.
In short if you wanna drive that car for more than 11 years below is the choice that you may consider :
Accord (2.4)
Mazda 6 (2.5)
Camry (2.5)
.
.
.
K5
Passat
508 (fullspec, base is supper dull).
Teana?? Please don’t the car is very dull
If you just looking into all the tech :
K5
Passat
Accord (2.4)
Mazda 6 (2.5)
Camry (2.5)
Best looking:
K5
Mazda 6 (2.5)
This optima and accord from same owner la regarding which one you buy, they wont let Optima kill their Accord business for sure la…
My godness! Buy a Van better!
Great car for the asking price. I’d rather spend less and get more safety equipment, than spend more just for resale value.
Who cares about resale value, only poor people worry about resale value hehe
Rich people care more for resale value.
rich people go for this:
Collectible item – high resale value.
landed property – high resale value.
Quality cars – high resale value.
they cares less about quantity, they care for resale value. Got value = worth to buy..
i did own a merc benz c class, bought brand new rm24xk, after 6 years the car mileage only done about 86k km, everything under original condition.tip top. but u knw wat is the resale value? used car dealer offer me rm55k! who told u quality car got high resale value?
I do own 3 storey banglo that I built which cost millions RM. I dont think I want to sale it & dont care about resale value. Best thing in life is enjoy it. Self satisfaction.
that’s the point…self satisfaction..
buy what u will satisfy most… don’t care about the RV, tech or what so ever..
go drive the cars and feel it… when u feel it, then it is the suitable choice for u…once again, self satisfaction…
nice exterior, but still prefer Accord’s interior
Lousy underpowered engine plus crappy handling.
Only poor people worry about resale value? HAHA, its actually the opposite. RICH ppl worry about resale value,thats y the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor.
Because poor people buy something at full price and sell it at more than 50% depreciation years later.
Korean cars have ages to go if they are to catch up with the Japs.
Slapping on a good looking shell, plus airbags is not gonna do the trick. They need to improve on the driving dynamics and their engines. So far,all the Korean engines are utter rubbish!
Obviously you are poor people. Work hard boy.
Then RICH ppl buy proton already.
why they buy benz,bmw,audi,porsche?
what RICH ppl are enjoying the luxury and features that comes with the car.
opposite? i think you still have a big gab to be rich ppl level.
i would prefer if KIA brings in their UVO infotainment system.. other than that, i think KIA has done a wonderful job so far.. i’ve been driving 2014 sorento for family use for 10 months so far very satisfaying..despite whatever bashing from those japs fanatics..
Which to choose Mazda 3 or k5 ? Since their price is so close ! Me can’t decide !
obviously k5 .this is a no brainer
Drove both cars during test drive…
K5 dynamics better than Camry’s 4-speed AT but I’d say same comfort level.
Mazda3 is an awesome driver’s car but the NVH is a tad harsher.
this space age stylng again.they couldve come up with something simple n elegant.too robotic and overdone too.why cant all car be beautiful like the jag.demmit.
Mazda’s driving dynamics is still better than Kia
Thanks for Kia K5 Optima launch a very nice car to the Malaysia Market. Well Done. I already buy 1 unit and estimate will be arrived mid of Jan 2014. Thanks for the Peter (AUDI TT designed).
Hmm… SG market new Optima comes with the 2.4L Theta II engine… and with it, dual exhaust :) But Theta II is one generation before the Nu series, and the Nu series was touted by Hyundai to offer even better fuel economy and efficiency than the older Theta II.
But there’s still no substitute for engine capacity. The 2.4L Optima drives much better than the pre facelift 2L Optima we used to have since day one.
Other than that, Bolehland new Optima seems similarly equipped as SG market ones. Oh does your new Optima comes with lane departing warning and blind spot detection sensor? Can’t seems to find any mention of it in the text.
if it has a GPS, then its equipments will be complete. nowadays, a GPS is a must for any traveler.
Nicely spec’d, except you need to look hard to find that teeny weeny 4.3″ TFT screen…
nice exterior looking car … decent design .. i dun like the dashboard though… messy, old fashioned and ugly designed gear knob & steering. I’m in the car-shopping mode now – planning to let go my 6 years old 8th Gen Civic… very2 reliable car and served me well for past 6 years .. no regret at all… K5 has to be off my list… im not so much concerned on RV .. i bought 308 and sold it off after 2 years .. low RV, but i enjoyed the ride (not the aftersales :( )
The central console looks weird..
price reached 150k but only got 4.3″ lcd screen…what the hack??..bigger is better..whos gonna watch that tiny screen
since when the resale value of a car can be judge by these “experts” when they are just saying that car got no resale value, without any supporting facts.
the resale value is depending on the demand of the used car market, not ah miao ah kao say no value, than it will become no value.
my 6 years old benz c class sold for 55k recently. when i bought it at 24xk brand new.
do you think benz got resale value? and is it a good car?
55k doesnt make sense… I think maybe second hand benz
since when the resale value of a car can be judge by these “experts” when they are just saying that car got no resale value, without any supporting facts.
the resale value is depending on the demand of the used car market, not ah miao ah kao say no value, than it will become no value.
To sum up to me this is a
Good car (not great coz crappy handling – test drive it)
with great spec
but price = meh..kind a ripped off too unless if came with GDI engine
No point having GDi engine when fuel in Malaysia is still running on Euro2.
Unless you are staying and JB and goes to Singapore to fuel up at ~SGD2 per liter
You are only a junior uncle sales man, work hard lah pakcik, dont comment on petrol price and dont ctitisize others, you only driving a old camry anyway.
My 2009 Camry is worth more than a 3 month old Sonata or K5.
That’s the big difference.
blackberry logo fog lamp..Like it!
Even Samsung S4 screen is bigger than the infotainment screen.
IP styling – very aggressive!
You guys have yet review the K5..?
The 2.4 GDI in aussie dunt count ler its a different car altogether
test drive this one and compare it against the likes of accord 2.0 VTI-L , i40 , pug 508
Laughing all the way now…..
Laughing while crying i think.If u cry,that makes sense.If u laugh, Toyota-UMW future in deep shit.
Budak ini baru keluar dari tanjung rambutan, nangis ketawa tak apa, tapi jangan cakap bodoh dan respect orang lain lah
I respect kimchi owner that buys the cabbages instinctively.
These owners will also need to respect the laws of supply and demand for used kimchis. There is hardly any demand for used Korean vehicles and as such, the trade in value will always be very very low, and worst case like KIA’s is that they can’t be traded in at all
nice car but my fat ass cant fit in the back seat
Worst car ever.. Those who buy this car really know nuts about cars!
Good effort from kia, a very beautiful beastly design, looks really good on the road. But current honda accord is too hard too beat. The current accord ticked almost all the requirements. Price, looks, interior, specification, driving, fuel consumption, maintaince and second hand value. It sets a new standard for other brands to follow, which might end up giving malaysian a better car with better price in the future.
The fact is, so many people saying that this is a good car, but not that many to be found on the road…
Keyboard warriors driving MyVi or Vios at work
Very nice car looks wise but underpower. I personally think, 2.4 would a gud size engine for this heavy monster. But i love the looks. And people who r here to talk about RV, can just shut up, im tired of listening to your BS.
Ive done a survey n compared to RV of japenese cars and korean made, in the end of 3 years you dont see much difference. Dont just believe on what you generally hear but do the maths yourself, if you r educated enough n have common sense.
Trade in price is not the`same`as selling price.
For kimchis, the gap will be as`wide as 45%-55%
Good Job KIa….. GAME CHANGER,,, I LIKE THE NEWN
KIA K5
Optima K5 vs Accord 2.0 VTI-L (Same price)
1. Ventilated Front Seats (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
2. Panoramic Sun Roof (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
3. 18″ Wheel (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
4. E-Parking Brake (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
5. HID Auto-Leveling Headlamp (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
6. 8-Speakers (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
7. Auto-Dim Rear Mirror (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
8. 6-Airbags (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
9. Paddle Shifter (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
10. Tip-Tronic Shifter (K5=Yes, Acc=No)
11. Max Power (K5=165ps, Acc=155ps)
From these 2 options with 1 same budget, I will not sacrifice them just for the RV, especially safety of me and my family. Unless I have the budget to get the Accord 2.4 VTI-L. K5 underpower? Accord 2.0 even worse.
I am sure they will offer navigation system soon like the Cerato, when the batch were assembled in local Gurun plant. Imported units soon have the option to upgrade. So, why worried?
Well said and nailed everyone
I am booking my K5 next week… DOT
I would love to buy this car. but if I can choose, I would like to have all the 2014 k5 features, but 2013 tail lamp.. :)
Just put in an order for K5, the sales dude says Satin Silver is now changed with Champagne Gold so am going for that.
I drive a 6 year old Elantra X20, 2.0… Served me well but starting to give trouble like the normal drive shaft problem and absorbers. Also A/C issues. Other than that, all good.
Test drive of K5 says it all. It is a sexy beast from outside. The comfort level inside is not too bad either. Love the gadgets and trims, I am a techie. Too bad NAV/GPS isn’t available though.
POWER-wise? I can feel the car is quite heavy so during test drive I floored the accelerator. The CVVL has less of the CVVT ‘elastic effect’ between 40KM to 80KM… but I can still feel it a bit. Not too bad though as it IS a heavy car.
Come to think of it, I still have to floor the pedal on my wife’s Camry for zippy overtakes. Yes, a 2.4 or 2.5 engine would serve the K5 better. But, it does have ample power.
You don’t normally use Accords and Camrys for drag racing do you?
I was also looking at a different segment car, the Mazda3, before deciding to go with K5. Is it a 10K jump but in terms of a mixture between comfort AND adequate power? K5 wins.
Resale value? Well, kind sirs and madams, it is a about PERSONAL SATISFACTION really. My Elantra X20, as you can guess, has dirt RV. But, at the same time, it had served me pretty well.
I am an Ipoh guy. The Naza Kia showroom got a white K5 Game Changer last week. The day after it arrived, someone already snapped it up – Camry owner looking to trade up.
Don’t get me wrong I love the Camry. My wife’s car is awesome to drive. The thing is all things considered the K5 Game Changer is a little more exciting for a pre-middle-age-crisis 38 year old botak man like me.
And, at the end of the day, don’t we all crave a little bit of excitement AND a whole lotta buttons to push in our cars? Now, if only I could add the long list of Cerato’s features into the K5 Game Changer… Now, THAT would be a true winner!
Sold my mother’s beloved Altis for this one and it has to be one of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made so far. For the price itself, KIA always offer better on-board gadgets because yes, I like to fiddle around with the numerous buttons in a car. Makes it feel like some sci-fi spacecraft or something. It is indeed a heavy car but the power is enough to get me from point A to point B in a shorter amount of time. But I don’t usually Paul Walker my way through traffic. I prefer to drive in a sedated manner and of course, one can’t really speed around city area because of the crappy road condition. The car has good absorbers but due to the large wheels, each bumps and uneven surfaces is quite noticeable. But other than that, Kia is stepping-up their game and I begin to find Japanese flagship models like the Camry and Accord looks abit BLAH! And oh! Like I said before, I buy cars is because I like them and NOT because of their resale value. If you wanna sweat over resale values, or any sort of values you can find, buy yourself a bicycle. Kthxbye!