LAS VEGAS: The all-new Optima pushes the limits in the midsize sedan segment through significant improvements in refinement.
Conceived under the watch of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, 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. It is 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).
Kia’s connectivity system, UVO2, comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score3. Additionally, Optima is Kia’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of AndroidTM4 Auto and Apple 5 CarPlay (late availability), which allow drivers to access a number of core functions from their smartphones.
Five trim levels are offered in the United States including a US-exclusive SXL.
Two powerplants carry over from the previous generation, the 2.4-litre GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models, and the 2.0-litre GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX models. While the engines have yet to receive EPA certification, the 2.4-litre produces 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 241Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.0-litre turbo generates 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 353Nm of torque at 1,350 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters. Both engines have been retuned for fuel economy and better performance and drivability with maximum torque now available at a lower RPM.
All new for the 2016 model is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. The 1.6-litre will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 264Nm of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand. The transmission optimises the engine’s responsiveness for a sporty feel without sacrificing fuel economy.
Improving ride and handling was a top priority for engineers. Overall, the chassis is lighter and stiffer, resulting in improved steering response, high-speed stability and handling. Moving the suspension points outward optimizes suspension geometry for a smoother ride over uneven pavement. Where the previous Optima made due with dual bushing mounts, increased lateral stiffness was achieved with a four-bushing mount system for both sub-frames.
The increased stiffness pays dividends in improved steering response and tractability through corners. More robust wheel bearings up front and the addition of larger dual lower control arms at the rear also help refine the all-new Optima’s ride and handling characteristics. Available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) improves steering response with a higher gear ratio.
Like the outgoing model, the all-new Optima for North America will be built at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
