But the refreshed Optima has gained some good gear and worthwhile changes – without immediately relegating the superseded car to the category of old and dowdy.
Styling has been cleaned up slightly, with minor tweaks to the grille and front and rear aprons. New 18-inch alloy wheels have been specified, in elegant designs. LED fog lights at the front reside in a pod of four in each corner of the front bumper cover, complemented by the HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and static cornering lights.
Inside, the Optima's seats have been improved and feature larger side bolsters. The wheel has been redesigned too, and the front-seat passenger gains seat ventilation as well as heating in the range-topping Optima Platinum. Kia designers have ditched the bright chrome interior trim in favour of a satin finish and the centre fascia features high-gloss black trim. Overall the design looks a little less cluttered, helped by the new seven-inch colour touch screen, which offers satellite navigation and a reversing camera display.
Adding to the safety afforded by the reversing camera are front and rear parking sensors that are now standard across the range. The other major safety enhancement for the 2014 Optima is Blind Spot Detection – available in the Optima Platinum. Based around two radar transmitters in the rear bumper the system monitors the area to the oblique rear of the car and doubles up in the role of facilitating RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) to monitor traffic approaching from either side while the vehicle is reversing out of a parking spot.
Kia claims the Optima for 2014 is quieter, with the new alloy wheels stiffer than the previous wheels, and woven material in the rear wheel arches replaced by 'BCF' – bulked continuous filament. The dashboard gains added insulating sealant and the rear cross member now comes with a dynamic damper to reduce booming.
Prices have increased across the range, with the Optima Si rising $300 (for the front parking sensors) to $30,990. At $35,990, Optima SLi is now $1000 dearer, reflecting the new inclusions of leather trim and front parking sensors. As the flagship, priced at $40,490, the Optima Platinum sets you back a further $1200 for the Blind Spot Detection system, Lane Change Assist, front parking sensors, ventilated seating for the front passenger and the new infotainment touch screen. Premium paint is the one extra-cost option, at $595.
"With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication without any compromise on safety or core values," Kia Australia COO, Tony Barlow was quoted saying in a press release.
"The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia's design evolution and epitomises the brand's goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles.
"Along with Kia Australia's five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year capped price servicing, roadside assist and Family Like Service commitment, the styling story on the Optima paints a compelling picture."
While the Optima is not a major change in itself, it's the starting point for Kia's calendar in 2014 – with pro_cee'd GT, Soul and – possibly – new Carnival all to follow before year's end.
Picture legend: Optima Platinum (red), Optima SLi (blue), Optima Si (grey)
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