The all-new Kia Optima GT, which is only available in GT trim, is powered by the new Theta II 2.0 T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain produces 242hp at 6,000rpm and an impressive 350Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm.
This makes the all-new Kia Optima GT one of the most powerful in its class and on par with some of the more powerful European sedans.
George poses next to the new Kia Optima GT at the launch event.
The all-new Kia Optima GT is the fourth Kia model to be introduced locally this year, and picks up from the third-generation Optima which was popular among Malaysians.
“What you are about to witness today from Kia is the ultimate expression of performance and contemporary styling; a 'class above' the rest; a result of many months of hard work, research and development by our team with the collective support of Kia Motors Corporation”, said Group COO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Datuk Samson Anand George at the launch event held at Naza Tower, Platinum Park Kuala Lumpur.
The new car sports a more aggressive and sporty design that includes a new Dot Array Mesh Satin Chrome front signature grille, a sporty front bumper as well as a new rear bumper that incorporates dual exhausts and a diffuser. It also features LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights.
The headlights are primed with the new Dynamic Bending Light technology that turns the lights according to the angle of the steering wheel, illuminating dark corners and thus enhancing overall safety of the car.
“The GT spec gives the Optima a number of impressive features like the LED headlights that bend to illuminate dark corners. Customers will also appreciate the spaciousness of the GT, which is complemented by the electronically operated panoramic roof. There are other conveniences too like the smart trunk , smart phone wireless charger, automatic headlights and wipers, drive modes selection remote window control and electric seats with memory function, just to name a few,” said George.
The all-new Kia Optima GT has grown compared to its predecessor. It is 10mm longer, 30mm wider, 10mm higher and has a longer wheelbase of 10mm.
As such, the interior has more passenger space with 10mm more headroom, 25mm more legroom, 17mm more shoulder room at the rear and 20mm more shoulder space up front.
Inside the all-new Kia Optima GT is covered in leather and high quality polymer while the door panels are lined with soft leather as are the seats.
The real aluminum trim around the centre console and the pedals gives the car a sporty ambiance. The centre fascia too has been angled towards the driver by 8.5 degrees, and the flat-bottom D-Shaped steering wheel also complements the sporty character of the car.
The driver's seat has memory function (Intelligent Memory Seat – IMS) and adjustable in 12 different ways while the front passenger has a 10 ways adjustable seat. The seats are also ventilated and blow cool air to the back of the driver and passenger.
Making its debut in the all-new Kia Optima GT is the new smart phone wireless charger, which uses an electromagnetic field to charge a phone. The charger also has an overheat protection that detects the temperature of the thermistor in the wireless charger module and turns it off automatically should the temperature get too high.
Other interior features include a 7-inch TFT LCD screen for the entertainment system with MP3, MP4, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and a MirrorLink feature that mirrors the screen of the phone on to the centre-mounted display screen.
The new Optima GT clocks in at 7.4 seconds from 0-100kph and fuel consumption is rated at 8.5-litres for every 100km on the combined cycle.
Also contributing to the overall performance and efficiency of the car are 3 driving modes - Sport, Normal and Eco. Sport adjusts the sensitivity of the throttle for maximum performance and also the steering wheel feels heavier for precise control of the car at high speed.
Safety-wise, the all-new Kia Optima GT is fitted with 6 airbags – two for the front passengers, two side airbags as well as curtain airbags. There is also an arsenal of electronic safety nets such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) which flashes the hazard automatically when emergency brakes are applied.
The all-new Kia Optima GT scored 5 stars at the EuroNCAP crash test rating, 5 stars in the Asean NCAP, 5.1 stars in the US NCAP and achieved a 1st grade rating in the Korean NCAP crash test.
The all-new Kia Optima GT comes with a five year warranty and is offered in three colors: Gravity Blue, Aurora Black and Snow White Pearl.
