2019 Kia Optima revised and refreshed

Kia has afforded the 2019 Optima a makeover designed to give the mid-sized sedan a renewed relevance in an ever-changing Australian new car landscape.

With a light once-over for external styling coupled to specification adjustment and a price realignment, the 2019 Si and GT Optima continues its role as Kia’s mid-sized ambassador.

“With the pace at which the new car market is changing – not just new product but variations in consumer demand – it is critical to keep product fresh and relevant,” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith said.

“Optima has been a key Kia model, for a number of reasons, for more than half a decade and keeping it fresh and market relevant is a constant review process.”

External changes for the 2019 Optima are limited to the grille and front fascia, upper and lower rear panels and re-styled wheels. Kia’s local engineering team have revisited the Optima for improved ride and handling characteristics.

The primary improvements have been in ride refinement and steering feel to improve on the driving experience from behind the wheel.

Inside, the Optima gains a new infotainment head unit (7-inch for the Si and 8-inch for the GT) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The safety pack for both models gains Driver Attention Alert and the Lane Departure Warning System is upgraded to the more advanced Lane Keeping Assist protocol.

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

The GT retains satellite navigation through the new head unit with 10 year MapCare and SUNA traffic information.

With a $1200 price reduction to a list price of $43,290, the front passenger power seat makes way for manual adjustment, the front seats are no longer ventilated but still heated, the panoramic sunroof is deleted as is High Beam Assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

Optima still benefits from Australia’s leading 7-Year Warranty, 7-Year capped Price Servicing and 7-Year Roadside Assist programs.

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