NEW LOOKS, MORE EQUPIMENT FOR KIA OPTIMA

2018 Kia Optima
Fresh from the success of its sporty Stinger family car and the recent launch of a new Cerato, Kia Australia has given its Optima mid-sized sedan a makeover.

Styling changes to the front and rear give it a different appearance, though they haven’t greatly changed the character. More important are specification changes and changes to the prices of both the 2019 Optima Si and GT.

Kia Optimas have a new infotainment head unit, with a 7.0-inch screen in the Si and 8.0-inch for the GT. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

With a price reduction of $1100, down to an RRP of $33,390, and the inclusion of smartphone compatibility the Optima Si no longer has satellite navigation and the HID headlamps are replaced by dual projection headlamps.

2018 Kia Optima

Optima GT retains satellite navigation through the new OEM head unit with 10-year MapCare and SUNA traffic information updates.

The GT has a $1200 price reduction (RRP now $43,290). It no longer has a panoramic sunroof, the front passenger powered seat is no more and you have to make manual adjustments. Neither GT front seat is now ventilated, though both are still heated.

The safety pack for both Optima models has gained Driver Attention Alert and the Lane Departure Warning System, the latter now features a more advanced Lane Keeping Assist protocol.

2018 Kia Optima

Kia was one of the early leaders in having its vehicle suspension and handling revised to suit Australian driving conditions and driver preferences. For the 2019 models the engineering team has made further changes to give us what they say are, ‘improved ride and handling characteristics’. We have yet to drive the revised models but will get back to you once we have done so.

Kia Optima has a seven-year warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and seven-year roadside assist.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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