Kia Optima upgrade previewed

Kia unveiled the updated Optima at the New York Auto Show this week.

What's the news?
Kia unveiled the updated Optima at the New York Auto Show this week. The styling has been updated and more 'high-end' features are offered. Expect to see the facelifted model in Europe in the first half of 2014.

Exterior
You'll need to look closely to spot the differences between the new Optima and the 2010 original. To save you from eye strain, the changes include a restyled back bumper incorporating a diffuser-style element while the tail lamps are also new and feature LEDs. The same technology can be found at the front in the new daytime running lights and fog lamps.

Interior
The updated Optima gets new seats too, designed for greater comfort. A 4.3-inch TFT display nestles between the instruments while there is an optional eight-inch navigation screen. Safety features include blind spot monitoring.

Mechanicals
For the USA the Optima comes with a 2.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol for the top-specification models. The only transmission option is a six-speed automatic. For most of Europe Kia is likely to retain a diesel only engine range with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Anything else?
Prices and specifications for the updated Optima will be revealed closer to the model's Irish launch date, which won't be until 2014.

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