What's the news?
It has only been on sale since late 2015 but Kia has decided to refresh its appealing Optima line-up, showing off the revised car - which will be on sale across Europe in the third quarter of this year - at the Geneva Motor Show.
While there are tweaked looks inside and out, plus additional technology, the big news here is the addition of two engines to the Optima's family. Gone is the old 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, killed off by strict Euro 6d emissions standards. In its place is the 'U3' CRDi, a 1.6-litre unit that employs Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. With 136hp and 320Nm from 2,000- to 2,250rpm, it's only marginally down on power compared to the 1.7 (141hp and 340Nm), and it should be even more refined and quiet.
If you're a genuine petrolhead, then the 180hp 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged engine might be of interest. It sits between the 163hp, normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and a 2.0-litre T-GDi with 245hp that is found in a racier Optima GT model in other markets (plus which is finding its way beneath the bonnet of the Stinger, albeit not in Ireland...). The 180hp T-GDi is paired exclusively to Kia's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. There's also now a Drive Mode Selector switch in revised Optimas, allowing drivers to cycle through Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart modes that adapt various parameters of the dynamics.
Visually, the 2018MY Optimas have new front bumpers, revised head- and fog lamps, LED rear lights, a re-sculpted rear bumper, chrome highlights on the 'tiger-nose' grille, fresh designs of 16-/17-/18-inch alloy wheels and an additional body colour, Runway Red. Inside, a new style of steering wheel and satin-chrome trim are the signifiers of the latest Kia, while six-colour ambient lighting is also thrown in. GT-Line variants and the GT model itself also get specific updates to their aesthetics, too.
In terms of equipment, Kia's latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and full LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light features, are part of the Optima's tech bundle. Seven- or eight-inch touchscreen infotainment is provided, while Around View Monitor provides a 360-degree view of the Optima's surroundings when low-speed manoeuvring. All these changes also apply to the Sportswagon, as well as the saloon.
Anything else?
Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, said: "The Optima enjoyed a record year of sales in Europe in 2017, with sales growing from 9,600 to more than 16,800 units last year. It is a key contributor to Kia's sustainable growth in Europe and the Optima's sales momentum has been maintained through the introduction of new variants in 2017. These include Sportswagon and high-performance GT variants, and an ultra-low emissions Plug-in Hybrid powertrain. With a model to meet every requirement, the Optima's refreshed design, new engines and expanded range of technologies will further broaden its appeal, for corporate and private buyers alike."