Kia Motors America (KMA), one of the fastest-growing car companies in America over the last five years, debuts a significantly updated version of its best-selling Optima mid-size sedan on the heels of the 2013 SEMA Show. Just three years ago, Kia turned the automotive world on its head when the Peter Schreyer-penned Optima was unveiled at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Since then, Optima has become Kia’s sales leader, selling more than 150,000 units last year and gaining worldwide acclaim for its European-inspired design and fun-to-drive performance. The 2014 Optima, built in the U.S. at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Ga., arrives with updated front and rear fascias, retaining the vehicle’s dynamic and sporty proportions. Now available in LX, EX, SX, SX-Turbo and SX-Limited trims, the Optima’s new premium amenities and convenience add fresh allure to this runaway success story.
Improving an Icon of Design
In a segment long known for bland functionality more than emotional appeal, the 2014 Optima cements the model’s status as a trailblazer combining style, substance and value. Refining the Optima’s sculpted, high-end appearance, Kia’s Frankfurt-based design team focused on the vehicle’s front and rear fascias and the brand’s signature tabbed grille. The vehicle’s bold stance and aerodynamic shape are further accentuated by updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid.Illuminating the European-inspired design are striking front LED positioning and fog lights, along with bright, newly designed LED rear lamps.
The improvements continue within the cabin of the 2014 Optima, as drivers are greeted with more upscale and high-tech amenities. Activating the Optima’s push button ignition brings two new displays to life: a rich 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and an optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen, featuring UVO eServices, an 8-speaker Infinity® sound system, HD Radio™®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Traffic. Redesigned seats help ensure a comfortable drive, while an optional new Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system5, which includes rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, provides added convenience and peace of mind.
Every 2014 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features. The LX trim offers dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, exterior mirror turn signal indicators, front fog lights, exterior heated mirrors, chrome accented exterior door handles, new 16-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The volume-leading EX trim offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55R17 tires and adds leather-trimmed seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and illuminated front cup holders. Moving to the SX trim brings stylish new 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, and aero wiper blades. The SX-T includes HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim takes Optima to another level of sporty refinement, adding unique 18-inch chrome wheels, new LED fog lights, red brake calipers, an electronic parking brake, chrome accented side sills, and premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats.
Dynamic and Efficient Powertrains
The 2014 Optima offers two available and powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. The 2.4-liter GDI engine is available on LX, EX and SX (non-turbo) models while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine is offered exclusively in the SX-T and SX-L. This turbo-charged unit delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder’s efficiency. Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® clutchless shifting. New for the 2014 Optima, and exclusive to the sporty SX variant, is Drive Mode Select (DMS), which adjusts transmission shift points and steering weight, offering owners a customizable driving experience.Kia: One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and one of the lowest costs of ownership in the industry. Kia recently moved up in the exclusive ranking of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands” after joining the list for the first time last year, and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, Forte5, and Forte Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.
