2016 KIA Optima
It doesn’t seem like five years since Kia turned the car-world on its head with the then-new stunning and capable Optima. For 2016 the car that changed consumers’ perception of the brand is fully re-designed and is set to maintain the high standard of its predecessor.
The new Kia Optima is swoopy and modern, sporting a futuristic look. For 2016 it is also larger inside and out, equipped with a stiffer structure and improved driving dynamics, and is offered with updated infotainment and safety systems.
Due to hit dealerships this fall, the 2016 Optima will be available in LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo, and SX Limited trim levels. The three engine choices include a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and two power
plants that carry over from the previous generation, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which makes around 250 horsepower. The smaller engine has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the larger displacement mills are mated to a six-speed automatic. All the engines in the line-up have been tuned for maximum efficiency and low-end torque, promising great performance and fewer trips to the gas pump.
The interior if the new car is simply stunning, and represents a real step forward for this segment. More soft-touch materials are used throughout the passenger compartment. Real stitching along the dash and doors is complemented with metallic accents throughout. The seat design was a priority for Kia, and the extra attention is immediately apparent. Available in cloth, leather, and Premium Nappa leather, the seats are comfortable and supportive on even the longest trips. Overall, the driver-oriented cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation, with a wider center console that helps create a greater sense of space. By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, ergonomics are greatly improved, and the large touch screen is intuitive and functional.
The new 2016 Optima leaves no doubt that Kia is a leader in both the design and engineering fields, bringing the two together seamlessly in a package sure to please even the most discerning of buyers.
