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 express excitement and positive anticipation about the Kia Optima facelift shown at IIMS, with some praising its design and features. Others comment on its potential to compete in the market, suggesting it will age well over time. There are mixed opinions on Korean car designs, with some comparing it favorably and others criticizing its look and perceived quality. Overall, most comments show interest and optimism about the new model reaching the market soon.