– Iconic design updated with dynamic and eye-catching front and rear fascias
– Kia’s best-selling Optima now offers more uplevel features and options to enhance comfort and value
Kia Motors America (KMA), one of America’s fastest-growing car companies over the last five years, unveiled a significantly updated version of its best-selling Optima mid-size sedan today at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Just three years ago, Kia turned the automotive world on its head when the Peter Schreyer-penned Optima mid-size sedan was unveiled at the 2010 NYIAS. Since that time, Optima has become Kia’s sales leader, selling more than 150,000 units last year and gaining worldwide acclaim for its European-inspired design and fun-to-drive performance.
The 2014 Optima, built in the US at Kia’s West Point, Ga., facility (KMMG), arrives with updated front and rear fascias, retaining the vehicle’s dynamic and sporty proportions. Available in LX, EX, SX and SX-Limited trims, the Optima’s new premium amenities and convenience options make Optima an impressive player in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.
The 2014 Optima is expected to arrive in Kia retail showrooms in the third quarter of the year, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
“With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication, offering mid-size sedan consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed our brand,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia’s design evolution and epitomizes the brand’s goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles.”
Improvement of an Already Iconic Design
In a mid-size sedan segment long dominated by function over desirability, the 2014 Optima cements the model’s status as a trailblazer of combining style and substance in an affordably priced vehicle.
Refining the Optima’s sculpted, high-end appearance, Kia’s Frankfurt-based design team improved the vehicle’s front and rear fascias and the brand’s signature tabbed grille. The vehicle’s bold stance and aerodynamic shape are further accentuated by updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid.
Lighting up the European-inspired design are striking front LED positioning and fog lights, along with clear, newly designed LED rear lamps.
The improvements continue within the cabin of the 2014 Optima, as drivers are greeted with more upscale and high-tech amenities. Activating the Optima’s push button ignition brings two new displays to life: a 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen, featuring UVO eServices, an 8-speaker Infinity®sound system, HD Radio™®, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radioand SiriusXM Traffic™4.
All-new seat designs ensure a comfortable drive in the powerful and spirited sedan, while an optional new Blind Spot Detection (BSD)system, which includes rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, improve convenience and peace of mind.
Every 2014 Optima, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features.
The LX trim offers dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles and new 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tyres and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tyres, leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and an illuminated front cup holders. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish new 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, aero wiper blades.
The SX-T includes HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique 18-inch chrome wheels, new LED fog lights, red brake callipers, an electronic parking brake, chrome accented side sills, and premium Nappa leather seats.
Dynamic and Efficient Powertrains
The 2014 Optima is available with two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring petrol direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-litrr GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-litre GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-litre hybrid powertrain is also available.
The 2.4-litre GDI engine is available on LX, EX and SX models while the more robust 2.0-litre turbo GDI engine is offered exclusively to the SX. This turbo-charged unit delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder’s efficiency.
Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® clutchless shifting. New for the 2014 Optima, and exclusive to the sporty SX variant, is Drive Mode Select (DMS), which adjusts transmission shift points and steering weight, offering owners a customizable driving experience.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from US and globally sourced parts.
Editor’s Note:
Specifications, features and trim levels in this release are for the U.S. market. Product details for other regions will be made available closer to their respective launch dates. Please check with your regional Kia Motors headquarters or authorized distributor for technical specifications and trims available for your market.
Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending February 2008 and February 2013 of all U.S. automotive brands.
Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
HD Radio™ and the HD, HD Radio, and “Arc” logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
The Blind Spot Detection System is not a substitute for proper and safe lane changing procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when changing lanes. The Blind Spot Detection System may not detect every object alongside the vehicle
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