Kia outs updated Optima early
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 9th Jan 2014
Pricing for the stylish South Korean offering is up by $300 for the base Si which now kicks off the range at $30,990 plus on-road costs, while the mid-spec SLi cops a $1000 increase to $35,990.
The range-topping Platinum is up by $1200 and now costs $40,490, but this variant gains Australian market-only LED fog-lights, a blind spot monitoring system and a rear cross traffic alert.
Cosmetic updates include a new tail-light design (LED on SLi and Platinum), a redesigned rear bumper and diffuser and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Kia now offers front parking sensors to all variants, adding to the already standard rear sensors, while in the cabin, the centre stack has been restyled.
The mid-spec SLi adds leather upholstery as standard as well as a premium Infinity sound system, while this variant and the Platinum gain a larger seven-inch touchscreen display.
Nothing has changed under the skin, with the Optima still powered by Kia’s 148kW/250Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed automatic as standard. Combined cycle fuel economy is also unchanged at 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
Kia launched the current-generation Optima in early 2011 and this minor facelift marks the first update to the car since then.
The 2014 Optima will be officially launched at the Australian Open tennis tournament next week where Kia is the major sponsor.
2014 Kia Optima pricing*
Si (a) $30,990 (+ $300)
SLi (a) $35,990 (+ $1000)
Platinum (a) $40,490 (+ $1200)*Excludes on-road costs
