Kia Optima: The Renewed South Korean Saloon

The South Korean manufacturer launches the new generation of the Kia Optima with a platform similar to that of previous models. The newly released version of the Optima grows one centimeter in length and 2.5 centimeters in width. With this, its dimensions are 4,855 meters long and 1,860 wide.

The exterior of the Optima remains

The aesthetics do not incorporate major changes, but these are quite successful. It retains the same dynamic and aggressive character, with all-new headlights integrated into the grille. The front bumper also features new air intakes fused with the fog lights, which are optional with LED technology.

The shapes of the profile feature a third side window, which joins the rear glass. The upper segment of the side window is prolonged, being the same shape from which the rear glass starts. This provides a quite interesting detail of distinction.

As for the rear, the bumper has a more robust design, with a new design in the headlights at the rear. These small aesthetic variations do not give rise to a vehicle with an air that is too different, but they do bring newness compared to previous generations.

A new and spacious cabin

Faced with the few novelties on the exterior of the Optima, the recent generation of the South Korean hybrid, incorporates a totally different interior design.

To begin with, the dashboard separates the front dashboard into two areas by means of a horizontal chrome line. At the top is the instrument cluster and the central display. This can be obtained in 7 or 8 inch versions.

On the other hand, the lower part has the controls such as the air conditioning, audio or driving assistance systems.

The first impression that the customer can have about the interior of the Optima is positive, since kia seems to have taken a remarkable leap in elegance and design. However, some of the materials used are of lower quality than in other vehicles of the brand.

In terms of ergonomics, simplified cabin design has contributed to improved passenger comfort. The driver will have no difficulty finding a suitable driving position, and passengers will enjoy spacious and comfortable seats.

The new Optima stands out on the market as one of the most spacious models among vehicles in its segment. This perception is obtained from both the front and rear seats, with great legroom. Finally, the boot provides a generous 510 liters of capacity and ranks as one of the largest in its category.

The finishes of the new Optima

The new generation of the kia hybrid has three trim options: Concept, Drive and Emotion . In addition, there is the Business variant for those companies that wish to buy an entire fleet of the Kia Optima.

The Concept finish starts at 29,480 euros, which can be less than 22,000 thanks to the discounts and financing plans offered by the company. This finish incorporates seven airbags , GPS system, seven-inch screen and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Drive  version adds an extra inch to the diameter of the tires, lane keeping system, xenon headlights and parking sensors. In addition, it incorporates a fabric and leather upholstery that adds elegance to the interior design.

The Emotion trim increases the tires even more, up to 18 inches, and adds heated seats and a keyless start system . At the top of the range, the Emotion version can incorporate the extra  Luxury Pack , which contains 360º vision cameras, blind spot detection, nearby traffic alerts and parking aids.

All these additions raise the price of the kia Optima to more than 39,000 euros without discounts, which can be reduced to an interesting price of 31,500 euros.

A refined and complete model

The new design of the Kia Optima is perceived as a vehicle where successes abound, since the changes have focused on the improvement details of the previous versions.

The passenger compartment of the vehicle is a comfortable environment full of security systems, with technological incorporations that allow to satisfy the needs of any client.

The only downside a potential buyer might encounter is that security systems are only plentiful in the highest trim version. Even so, the quality / price ratio of the vehicle is very interesting, especially considering the discounts offered by the South Korean brand.