The Kia Optima has been given a facelift in Korea, where it is known as the K5 in its home market. The revisions include changes to the D-segment sedan’s design as well as the addition of new technologies.
At the front, there carmaker’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille is still present, but has now been tweaked to feature vertical slats instead. The bumper is new here too, with a redesigned lower apron and more prominent fake corner intakes. Depending on the selected variant, you’ll either get LED units for the headlights and fog lamps, or projectors and bulb-type ones.
Similarly, there are four wheel options that range from 16- to 18-inch sets, the largest available in a multi-spoke or sporty two-tone design. Moving to the rear, the taillights now come with new graphics within them and the reflectors have made their way upwards. A revised diffuser section accompanies these changes as well, with integrated oval-shaped exhaust outlets.
On the inside, the Optima retains its familiar dashboard layout but gains a newer touchscreen infotainment system. Elsewhere, there’s a new steering wheel design, optional quilted leather seats and even LED ambient lighting.
Other features available include a Krell sound system, heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control with Cluster Ionizer, rear sunshades and an electronic parking brake. The Optima is also available with a surround-view camera system and Highway Assist – the latter includes adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist systems.
Engine options include three four-cylinder petrol units – 2.0L CVVL (163 PS/196 Nm), 2.0L LPI (153 PS/196 Nm with a manual, 151 PS/194 Nm with an automatic) and 1.6L T-GDI (180 PS/265 Nm). There’s also a sole diesel option in the form of a 1.7 litre unit with 141 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and automatic, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch – for diesel and turbo models only.
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Hey tiger nose.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but this tiger nose design concept has never worked for me.
Ugly. Ugh.
This will excite all those 4,131 Kia buyers last year.
I can’t say I’m a fan of the new front grill
Honestly, I think it looks more ‘uncle’ now.
Kia’s interior very old fashion dull, expected design not nice at all.
I like the nose of our Optima better thank you. The Current Optima remains criminally under appreciated. I have yet to see one the 240hp D-segment in private hands and i believe Kia Malaysia’s 4,000+ buyers reflects that. Perhaps is the pricing, at RM175k buyers are looking at refinement over outright power, seeing how many 2.5l Accords(in jewel LED light facelift form no less) and Camry hybrids are flowing out of showrooms. The Japanese D sedans in my opinion, has an edge in interior refinement. Or maybe Perhaps sedanpocalypse have reached Malaysia and the D-segment is a dying breed, a point that can be reflected on how many G.Carnival and Santa Fe are on the KL roads. Regardless, the Korean Kimchi has some spicy numbers on paper but as always, whats on paper dosent reflects to sale.
Msian just can get pass the stigma of the old KIA. The optima has all the recipe of a super value car with good interior refinement, exterior european style and the old one with that 245hp350nm engine. But still msian will buy the 160hp220nm cvt accord coz they scared that when the time come for him to sell the car 4 yrs down the line. Simple as that.
I’am more worried of the spare parts 4 years down the line.
Accord uses a 5-speeder gearbo, not a CVT.
I don’t know about the Camry, but I can assure you the Accord 2.4 i got last year hardly has any refinement.
All matter of perspective, I daily a nearly 6 year old H.City and regularly ride Myvis and Personas, an Accord has miles better refinement than anything I tried sub-RM100k. But in comparison to something like a Volvo or BMW even a Mazda CX-9, it becomes second class and you can keep comparing until you reached a Rolls Royce…..Mmmm, cushy carpets
Why are you even comparing a d segment car with b segments? Pretty dumb comparison
Design wise looks like a tiger but engine power similar to pussy cat
CURRENT DESIGN both exterior and interior much more better
Nak tiru Volvo grille lettew.
Now it looks like a whale opening its mouth to feed.
Kia trying to entice older uncles to buy their car!
(Like) Kia Optima
(Dislike) Mazda 6
KIA makes pretty decent & modern looking front headlights & grill BUT sad to say, this K5 stand out like a sore thumb.
The Benz W124 series built in 1989 is timeless…the front grill is a masterpiece…this tiger nose thg is crap..pls learn from benz..