New York Auto Show: Kia introduces the refreshed 2014 Optima

Kia Motors America (KMA), one of America's fastest-growing car companies over the last five years, unveiled a significantly updated version of its best-selling Kia Optima mid-size sedan at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Just three years ago, Kia turned the automotive world on its head when the Peter Schreyer-penned Optima mid-size sedan was unveiled at the 2010 NYIAS. Since that time, 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's West Point, Ga., facility (KMMG), arrives with updated front and rear fascias, retaining the vehicle's dynamic and sporty proportions. Available in LX, EX, SX and SX-Limited trims, the Kia Optima's new premium amenities and convenience options make Optima an impressive player in the competitive mid-size sedan segment. The 2014 Optima is expected to arrive in Kia retail showrooms in the third quarter of the year, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's on-sale date.

"With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication, offering mid-size sedan consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed our brand," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia's design evolution and epitomizes the brand's goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles."

Improvement of an Already Iconic Design

In a mid-size sedan segment long dominated by function over desirability, the 2014 Kia Optima cements the model's status as a trailblazer of combining style and substance in an affordably priced vehicle. Refining the Optima's sculpted, high-end appearance, Kia's Frankfurt-based design team improved 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. Lighting up the European-inspired design are striking front LED positioning and fog lights, along with clear, 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 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and 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™. All-new seat designs ensure a comfortable drive in the powerful and spirited sedan, while an optional new Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system, which includes rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors, improve convenience and peace of mind.

Every 2014 Kia 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 and 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, leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, and illuminated front cup holders. Moving to the SX trim, consumers will find stylish new 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires, unique front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, aero wiper blades. The SX-T includes HID headlights with auto leveling. Elevating to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings 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 seats.

Dynamic and Efficient Powertrains

The 2014 Optima is available with two 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. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The 2.4-liter GDI engine is available on LX, EX and SX models while the more robust 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine is offered exclusively to the SX. 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 Kia 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.