New York Auto Show: 2016 Kia Optima: Comments

[William Maley]

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It was five years ago that Kia shocked everyone with the introduction of the Optima. With a bold design, impressive engine lineup, and excellent value for money, the Optima put everyone in the midsize sedan class on notice and was a catalyst in the transformation of Kia. So it seems appropriate that Kia introduce an all-new Optima at New York, which is what they did today.

The previous Optima was a big success for the brand, and that put Kia in a tough position. How do you make a popular model new and fresh, while retaining the identity that worked so well before? In the Optima's case, you leave the basic shape, but make a number of adjustments to the front and rear. The front end gets larger headlights, while the tiger-nose grille is composed in a new pinpoint design for the SX and SXL trims. Around back is a raised decklid and optional LED taillights. Wheel choices range from 16 to 18 inches. The Optima has grown in both wheelbase (110.4 inches - increased by 0.4 inches), and width (73.2 inches - increased 1.0 inch). The increase allows for increase in overall space in the cabin and trunk.

The Optima's interior draws some inspiration from the Cadenza and K900 with more soft-touch materials, and real stitching along the dash and doors. The center stack sees better grouping and reduction of buttons to reduce confusion. The Optima will also get the second-generation of UVO with eServices, along with the introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which allows drivers to access a number core functions from their smartphones via the 8-inch touchscreen.

Kia will be offering three different engines for the 2016 Optima:

• 2.4L GDI four-cylinder: 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque (Available on LX and EX)
  
• Turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder: 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque (Available on LX)
  
• Turbocharged 2.0L GDI four-cylinder: 247 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque (Available on SX and SXL)
  

The 2.4 and turbo 2.0 will be paired with six-speed automatics, while the turbo 1.6 will get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Kia says the Optima will go on sale in the U.S. in the forth quarter of this year.

Source: Kia

Press Release is on Page 2

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ALL-NEW 2016 OPTIMA MIDSIZE SEDAN MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

• Kia’s Best-Selling Nameplate is Passionately Designed and Obsessively Crafted with European Styling, a Refined Premium Interior and Significant Ride and Handling Improvements
  
• Optima matures into an expertly crafted sedan with two turbo engine choices and five trims, including the U.S.-exclusive SXL
  
• Built at Kia’s U.S. plant, Optima features reduced NVH and a more responsive, confident ride
  

NEW YORK, Apr. 1, 2015 – Five years ago Kia Motors America (KMA) debuted the re-designed Optima at the New York International Auto Show and introduced a game-changing midsize sedan that catalyzed the brand’s design-led transformation. History was repeated when the all-new 2016 Optima, a symbol of the Kia brand’s maturation through continuous refinement and obsessive attention to detail, made its debut here today. An instant hit with consumers looking for a fresh alternative to an otherwise staid segment, the Optima has been KMA’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the all-new model is poised to continue that success.

Conceived under the watchful eye of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, with modern and instantly recognizable design cues, the Optima maintains its athletic identity but rides on a chassis that is longer, wider and stiffer for improved ride and handling and a more spacious cabin. Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the Optima is more confident than ever on the road. The all-new Optima’s roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that will come standard across five trim levels – LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SXL – when sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2015. As with its predecessor, the all-new Optima will be built at Kia’s plant* in West Point, Georgia. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

“The Optima changed the way people felt about the Kia brand, and KMA owes much of its growth and success to its head-turning design and sporty performance. It was – and still is to this day – a fresh alternative in the midsize sedan segment, and it amplified a five-year design-led transformation that propelled Kia to record-setting sales year-on-year,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, sales and marketing, KMA. “The all-new Optima retains the signature personality of its predecessor, but we’ve literally improved everything, providing more space, better ride and handling, more technology and greater refinement.”

Instantly Recognizable European Design

Because the previous generation Optima was such a success story for the brand, Kia’s designers had to strike a delicate balance, retaining the identity of the vehicle while, at the same time, making a confident move forward to keep the car modern and fresh. Sweeping contemporary surfaces and modern architecture inspired the design of the all-new Optima, revealing a sophisticated and dynamic sedan that is instantly recognizable yet has more road presence than ever.

The all-new Optima is boldly designed to be functional and sporty with exterior dimensions that are marginally longer, taller and wider. The wheelbase has been extended to 110.4 inches (increased 0.4 inches), and the vehicle has been widened to 73.2 inches (increased 1.0 inch). Both changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room. The increased dimensions also allow for more cargo capacity in the trunk.

The aggressive front clip pulls the sheet metal taut over the wheel arches, and the swept-back headlights reach deeply into the fenders. On the SX and SXL trims, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille is hot stamped and composed into a sophisticated pinpoint design that bears a strong resemblance to Kia’s luxury sedan, the K900 . The all-new Optima introduces Kia’s first application of bi-functional HID headlights – with available Dynamic Bending Lamps and High Beam Assist – that illuminate the tarmac around corners.

The greenhouse silhouette maintains the raked A-pillar and sweeping C-pillar that lend the Optima its sport-sedan appearance. The rear vent windows kick up smartly just ahead of the carved rear fenders. As with its predecessor, the all-new Optima incorporates a raised deck lid, and the use of available LED halo-style tail lights mimics that of the Cadenza premium sedan.

The 2016 Optima rides on alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches, with three new unique 18-inch wheel designs, depending on trim level. Three new exteriors colors compliment the latest Optima’s sophisticated styling: a vibrant blue inspired by a sparkling ocean underneath a sunny sky; a dynamic grey with olive undertones, and a deep red that gains depth from the use of aluminum pigments.

Exquisite Interior Craftsmanship

Optima’s interior is larger and more comfortable with an innovative and functional cabin that is well-appointed with class-up touches. Drawing inspiration from Kia’s premium and luxury sedans, the Optima utilizes more soft-touch materials throughout the passenger compartment. Optima’s luxurious interior is obsessively crafted with an impressive attention to detail and features real stitching along the dash and doors, complimented by tasteful metallic accents, varying by trim level. The driver-oriented cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation, with a stronger horizontal plane and a wider center console that help create a greater sense of space. By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, Kia’s already-superior ergonomics are markedly improved.

The interior design team also paid particular attention to seat comfort. A stiffer seat frame reduces vibration and soft foam in the headrest, upper back and thigh-support areas allows occupants to nestle into seats with deeper side bolsters made with denser, more supportive foam. For extra convenience, heated and ventilated front seats are available with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. For added convenience, the 2016 Optima offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium vehicles. Depending on trim level, the seats are covered in cloth, leather or luxurious Nappa leather and two new interior colors – a rich merlot and a dark aubergine – are available.

Convenience and Technology

Kia’s cutting-edge connectivity system, UVO , comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score . Additionally, Optima is Kia’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of AndroidTM Auto and Apple® CarPlay (late availability), which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones. After connecting their smartphone to the head unit via the vehicle’s front fast-charge USB port (another fast-charge USB port is located in the rear seat), the 8-inch touchscreen screen displays the smartphone’s most important features. Core functions including music, messaging, navigation and voice calls are available via the screen, the steering wheel or via voice command2. Kia is one of the first to deliver this technology, which is available for select Android phones operating with Lollipop or Apple phones operating with iOS8.X or higher. Any future third-party apps that are added by either Android or Apple will be available for customers to enjoy from their respective app store.

While the standard six-speaker audio system will satisfy all but the most demanding enthusiasts, true audiophiles will gravitate to the available Infinity® Premium Audio System , which includes 14 speakers, Clari-Fi™ technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier. Clari-Fi is a patented music restoration technology that rebuilds audio signals that are lost in the digital compression process. This technology breathes new life into your favorite music, restoring a high-fidelity listening experience to any compressed digital source. Optima’s premium Infinity audio system also comes equipped with next-generation QuantumLogic™7 Surround technology, which extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and detailed. Kia was one of the first automakers to incorporate Clari-Fi technology into their audio systems with the debut of the 2016 Sorento, and Optima is the first-ever Kia sedan to feature QuantumLogic Surround technology.

The all-new Optima takes convenience to the next level with a long list of available technologies across the various trim levels. Available on every Optima is a rear-camera display while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Around View Monitor8. Available driver-aid technology, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC)8, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)8, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)8 and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)8 – which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage – makes the task of driving easier and more convenient. Also available for the first time on any Kia vehicle are Bi-function HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL) and intuitive High Beam Assist (HBA), which recognizes oncoming traffic and automatically switches the lights to low beam until the opposing vehicle has passed.

Smart Performance and Safety

The 2016 Optima features a uniquely engineered body that combines various high-tensile strength steel alloys and sits on a chassis that is stiffer and more durable thanks to the increased use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). With more than 50 percent of the body constructed from AHSS, the all-new Optima represents a 150-percent increase over the previous car. The greater use of structural adhesive by more than 450 percent over the previous generation improves NVH and contributes to structural rigidity. Engineers also added more hot stamped components to the all-new Optima, a 350-percent increase over the 2015 model. This body structure helps provide crash protection, better driving dynamics, and is the foundation for a quieter ride.

Additional innovations were implemented to reduce NVH, lighten the vehicle and enhance aerodynamics. The 2016 Optima is the first Kia to feature a panoramic sunroof support structure made with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which helps reduce weight and lower the vehicle’s center of gravity. A larger full floor under cover helps reduce wind noise and aid fuel efficiency. Increased dash insulation, added windshield side molding and the increased use of structural adhesive ensure a quiet ride with reduced road and wind noise. Engine mounts, body panels and wheels all are stiffer on the all-new Optima, reducing vibrations, engine noise and road noise. Larger cross-member bushings are utilized to help isolate road and engine noise, as well as reducing engine vibration through the floor and steering wheel.

Improving ride and handling was a top priority for engineers. Overall, the chassis is lighter and stiffer, resulting in improved steering response, high-speed stability and handling. Moving the suspension location points of the front and rear sub-frames outward optimizes suspension geometry for a smoother ride over uneven pavement. Where the previous Optima made due with dual bushing mounts, increased lateral stiffness was achieved with a four-bushing mount system for both sub-frames. The increased stiffness pays dividends in improved steering response and tractability through corners. More robust wheel bearings up front and the addition of larger dual lower control arms at the rear also help refine the all-new Optima’s ride and handling characteristics. Available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) improves steering response with a higher gear ratio.

The all-new Optima is available with three engine choices, striking a performance balance between sportiness and fuel efficiency. Two powerplants carry over from the previous generation, the 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models, and the 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX Turbo models. While the engines have yet to receive EPA certification, the 2.4-liter is estimated to produce 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbo is expected to generate approximately 247 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,350 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters. Both engines have been retuned for fuel economy and better performance and drivability with maximum torque now available at a lower RPM.

All new for the 2016 model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. The 1.6-liter will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out an estimated 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand. The transmission optimizes the engine’s responsiveness for a sporty feel that doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy. Also new for the Optima, Michelin® tires are available on all trims. All three engines channel energy through the front wheels.

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[regfootball]

A step backwards

[Drew Dowdell]

A step backwards

 

In what way?  Not disagreeing , just curious what you see

[Drew Dowdell]

Updated with a live shot gallery

[FAPTurbo]

KIA's played this smart. You can tell they likely learned from Hyundai's mistake of toning down the Sonata. 

 

Still one of, if not the best, looking sedans in its category. 

[David]

Not sure what it is about this update but it does not hit me like the original did and maybe that is the problem. Expecting major changes rather than minor tweaks.

[William Maley]

KIA's played this smart. You can tell they likely learned from Hyundai's mistake of toning down the Sonata. 

 

Still one of, if not the best, looking sedans in its category. 

 

Agreed. This is a good thing.

[Cory Wolfe]

I'm having mixed feelings... Sure, it's great that Kia decided to not fix what wasn't broken and ruin their best-seller, but I'm a little disappointed in the finished product. It's just a little too familiar to the outgoing car and feels a little water-down from the original. The teaser shots had my attention, but the full imagery leaves me cold. I feel like something is missing, overall.

 

Still, it was one of the better looking offerings in the class, so with the minimal changes, it still is... Minus the "wow".

[regfootball]

 

A step backwards

 

In what way?  Not disagreeing , just curious what you see

 

 

I think it loses its edge and individuality.  More specifically, the Camry front schnoz, the interior that goes away from being driver oriented and unique / fits the character of the car, to something more generic, less interesting and not really in tune with the exterior.  The dash has a mazda6 knockoff meets wanna be Audi sort of feel to it, and Kia needs all the help on interiors it can get from the gate so imitating isn't the best thing.  In fact it looks similar to the new Sedona interior more so than a sedan.  Sonata downgraded their interior and this is some of that IMO.

 

Then otherwise, its change for the sake of change.  They lengthened the greenhouse but the door openings stay the same and they just fill in the extra with black nothingness in large amount.  What IS that on the rear pillar? It's not that Saablike hofmeister kink anymore.   I've never been a fan of the chrome strip up high on the greenhouse but understood its a contrived sort of differentiator for the previous version and was a bit of a signature.  But with the stretched greenhouse, they merely lengthened it and its new oddness draws attention to itself.

 

Nothing new or interesting on the behind.  In summary, they changed the car, but the front is not better or improved, neither is the rear.  The sides are the same except for the odd new black patch, which is weird.  Inside doesn't match the character of what it just worked so hard to establish the last few years.....

 

It's gone from individual, interesting, and legit, to faux and without focus.  But maybe the goal was to sell more Credenzas......

 

Look at the new Malibu.  That is a fantastic image makeover.  And all the parts fit as such.

[regfootball]

actually, is that actually a small window on the rear pillar?  wth

[smk4565]

Looks like a Camry.

[David]

That little black window that is part of the C pillar is weird.

[hyperv6]

Was not a real fan of this car to start and this does nothing to change my mind.

[ponchoman49]

Yes that rear window is odd but I do like the slightly lowered belt line for the rear door. The triangle pattern seats on the higher trim level does seem like a throw back.