Another IIMS 2013 show car worth mentioning is the Kia Optima facelift, which has just been launched in Jakarta. The minor mid-life update was first introduced at the New York Auto Show in March, so a local release shouldn’t be too far away now. The end of 2013 would mark the current model’s second birthday here in Malaysia.
As far as facelifts go, this is a straightforward one. Much of the original K5’s design elements have been kept intact, as it was a forward-looking car to start with. The DRL strips have been moved from the bumper to the top of the headlamps, mirroring those on the latest Cerato and Sorento models.
The foglamps, meanwhile, have been replaced with a grid of four LED clusters on each side. Moving to the rear, the new light units feature thick LED ‘frames,’ again bringing the Optima in line with more recent Kia models. The 18-inch wheels are new too, moving away from the current car’s flat dish design.
In Indonesia, the updated Optima is offered only with a Theta II 2.4 litre engine. Expect the Malaysian model to stick to the existing Nu 2.0 litre motor with 165 PS and 198 Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. For a preview of the refreshed interior, check out the American-market Kia Optima facelift here.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mainly focus on the design, quality, and resale value of the Kia Optima facelift, with some comparing it favorably to other models like Mazda 6, Sonata, and Mazda 3 in terms of styling and reliability. Many express optimism about the new design, though a few critique its aging potential and overall appeal. There are also discussions about the perceived poor RV (resale value) of Korean cars and opinions on traditional Japanese and European brands. Overall, sentiments are mixed but generally leaning towards cautious optimism, with some emphasizing the importance of design longevity and quality. Off-topic and humorous remarks about other car brands, models, and unrelated topics are present but do not detract from the main focus on the facelifted Kia Optima.