All-new Optima makes its debut at international auto show

FIVE years ago KIA Motors America (KMA) debuted the re-designed Optima at the recent New York International Auto Show. An instant hit with consumers looking for a fresh alternative, the Optima has been KMA’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the all-new model is poised to continue that success.

The Optima maintains its athletic identity but rides on a chassis that is longer, wider and stiffer for improved ride and handling and a more spacious cabin. Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The all-new Optima introduces KIA’s first application of bi-functional HID headlights with available Dynamic Bending Lamps and High Beam Assist that illuminate the tarmac around corners. The 2016 Optima rides on alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18-inches, with three new unique 18-inch wheel designs, depending on the trim level.

Optima’s interior is larger and more comfortable with an innovative and functional cabin. The Optima utilises more soft-touch materials throughout the passenger compartment. The Optima’s luxurious interior is crafted with an attention to detail and features real stitching along the dash and doors, complimented by tasteful metallic accents, varying by trim level.

The interior design team also paid particular attention to seat comfort. A stiffer seat frame reduces vibration and soft foam in the headrest, upper back and thigh-support areas allows occupants to nestle into seats with deeper side bolsters made with denser, more supportive foam.

For extra convenience, heated and ventilated front seats are available with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. For added convenience, the 2016 Optima offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium vehicles. Depending on trim level, the seats are covered in cloth, leather or luxurious Nappa leather.

KIA’s cutting-edge connectivity system, UVO, comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima:

• Geo-fencing

• Speed Alert

• Curfew Alert

• Driving Score.

Additionally, Optima is KIA’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of AndroidTM Auto and Apple® CarPlay which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones.

After connecting your smartphone to the head unit via the vehicle’s front fast-charge USB port (another fast-charge USB port is located in the rear seat), the eight-inch touchscreen screen displays the smartphone’s most important features. Core functions including music, messaging, navigation and voice calls are available through the screen, the steering wheel or by voice command.

While the standard six-speaker audio system will satisfy all but the most demanding enthusiasts, true audiophiles will gravitate to the available Infinity® Premium Audio System, which includes 14 speakers, Clari-Fi™ technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier.

Available on every Optima is a rear-camera display while the SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Around View Monitor.

Available driver-aid technology includes:

• Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Bi-function HID headlights

• Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL)

• High Beam Assist (HBA).

The all-new Optima is available with three engine choices:

• 2.4-litre GDI four-cylinder (available on the LX and EX models)

• 2.0-litre GDI turbo engine (available on the SXL and SX Turbo models).

The 2.4-litre is estimated to produce 136kW at 6 000rpm and 241Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. The 2.0-litre turbo is expected to generate approximately 182kW at 6 000rpm and 353Nm at 1 350rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting while the SX and SXL trims comes with paddle shifters.

All new for the 2016 model is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out an estimated 131kW at 5 500rpm and 264Nm of torque at 1 500rpm, this new engine is mated to a seven-speed DCT.

Sales of the 2016 KIA Optima commences in the US during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Production for General Markets, of which South Africa forms part, is schedule to commence around the same time, at which point the decision on whether the all-new Optima will be introduced to the South African market will be made.

If so, expect it on local shores in the first quarter of 2016. Specific details on engine and transmission options, specification levels and options as well as pricing will be made available closer to the local launch date.