2014 Kia Optima: New York Auto Show 2013

Kia has revealed the 2014 Optima at the New York Auto Show with cosmetic and technical tweaks. Due in the UK early 2014.

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Exactly three years on from the arrival of the Kia Optima to replace the old Magentis at the New York Auto Show in 2010, Kia is back with a revised Optima, although we won’t be seeing it in the UK until 2014.

The new Optima isn’t exactly new, but a facelift rather than a comprehensive workover. That means new front and back ends with a new grill, new diffuser at the back, a new boot, LEDs for the running lights and tail lights and a new set of alloys, all conspiring to make the Optima look fresh.

Inside, Kia has added a new 4.3″ TFT instrument cluster,  there’s now the option of a media system with 8″ high resolution screen with SatNav, new seats, new materials and a more upmarket feel to the cabin.

The new Optima is heading for the U.S. first, so all Kia’s information relates to that debut with the American market getting five trim levels – LX, EX, SX, SX-T and Limited – and a choice of 2.4 litre or 2.0 litre turbo petrol engines. The UK, on the other hand, is likely to get Hobson’s choice with the 1.7 litre diesel.

Michael Sprague. Kia’s man in the States, said:

With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication, offering mid-size saloon consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed our brand. The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia’s design evolution and epitomizes the brand’s goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles.

The facelifted Kia Optima will launch in the UK in the first half of 2014.