The facelifted Kia Optima has appeared on Kia Malaysia’s official website, with two engine options being listed, including a turbocharged unit for the GT variant (spotted in Red Cube PJ). Full pricing details have yet to be provided but the refreshed D-segment sedan will start from RM169,888.
Visual changes on the exterior are similar to the Optima sold in Korea and Europe, starting with vertical slats for the brand’s iconic ‘tiger nose’ grille. The GT version gets a different grille design that features a V-shaped mesh pattern instead. There’s also a new bumper that sports larger corner inlets, with either LED or halogen fog lamps, depending on trim level – LED headlamps appear to be standard.
At the rear, the LED combination taillights now come with new graphics within them; the reflectors are pushed slightly higher; and there’s a revised diffuser piece. The GT variant gets dual, oval-shaped exhaust outlets as before, whereas the non-GT models get a single unit instead, along with a set of 18-inch fan-design alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres (235/45).
The Optima’s cabin retains the familiar dashboard layout as before, with the most noticeable revision being the new steering wheel design. Available features include a 4.3-inch multi-info instrument cluster display, ambient lighting, powered front seats with memory function, keyless entry and start, paddle shifters, rear sunshades, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charger, Smart Shift & Drive, and an electronic parking brake.
The GT variant seen here comes with black/red leather upholstery, a good helping of ‘GT’ badging and a powered sunroof. On the safety and driver assistance side of things, listed items for the Optima are six airbags, Around View Monitor with Parking Guidance (AVM), Parking Distance Warning-Forward (PDW-F), and Parking Distance Warning – Reverse (PDW-R). Other items such as stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system are to be expected.
As mentioned at the start, there are two engine options seen on the microsite, with the first being the Nu 2.0L CVVL naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that serves up 163 PS and 196 Nm of torque – wasn’t offered when the fourth-gen (JF) Optima launched here. The other option is the turbocharged Theta 2.0 T-GDi for the GT with 245 PS and 350 Nm.
The new Optima in GT guise will be put on display at our first-ever Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE), which takes place at the Setia City Convention Centre from November 3 to 4.
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The Accord and Civic Turbo is a better buy.
Ancient people commenting
Perdana too.
Honda saleswoman – Its up to the customer to decide which is the best for them.
I agree… who’s gonna spend almost RM170K car which after 1 year can only fetch RM100K?
Accord and civic turbo is always a better buy.
Gorgeous!!!
Perhaps plain old patriotism, Koreans tend to drive Korean cars. 85% of cars purchased there are domestic. Koreans prefer to buy their own carbrands.They won’t even glance at an import.
Local cars the default choice for Koreans. During Asian financial crisis 1998, South Korean celebrities swapped their German BMW cars for home-grown Hyundais, eager to prove their patriotism. Myself, drive a 2001 Proton Wira Thomas Cup Edition.
245PS and 350Nm, smoked 328i.
In paper
Joke of the day
on paper, the 328i/330i is 1 second quicker to 100kmph than the optima gt.
Nice styling but a bit too large and over ambitious pricing trying to fight the Japs head on
Best D segment car in Malaysia.
New CAMRY is DoA.
This would be the perfect d segment car in msia if it comes with the latest driver assistance tech
Kia’s dashboard is dull as always
Proton X70=All
Dear paultan, please check your facts please, previous facalift Kia optima k5 did come with 2.0 nu cvvl engines, as early as end 2012, I know cause my wife had one..
The fourth-generation pre-facelift model – the one after your wife’s – was only available in GT form.
Am I the only one that never seen a Optima GT on the road before? In fact, even the regular Optima is also a rare sight lately.
Interior dashboard still dated,follow old prefacelift..is not facelift..look at Spore version..dashboard so much better