New Kia Optima model set to arrive in Irish showrooms next month

By Gerry Murphy

A new Kia Optima will arrive in Irish showrooms in late December and will go on sale in January. Boasting a modern new exterior, a bold new interior design with more room for driver and passengers and an array of new convenience and safety equipment, this is the second generation of Kia’s largest family saloon.

Kia is retaining the 1.7D engine, but it is significantly improved. Power increases from 136 to 141PS and CO2 on the manual model comes down from 133 g to 120 g with a new annual road tax of just €190. The CO2 improvement on the new 7-speed DCT automatic is even more significant down 42 grams from 158g to 116g and road tax now just €10 more than the manual version.

Kia say that the new model will offer greater refinement and improved ride and handling over the outgoing model, while retaining the sporty image that has helped Optima become one of Kia’s best-selling models worldwide.

Conscious of the fact that with luxury of this nature there is a demand for a calm and relaxing driving environment, Kia engineers have ensured this with considerable work done to reduce noise, vibration and harshness ( NVH ).

Included in these measures were a larger under-floor cover, more effective windshield seals, increased dashboard insulation, acoustic refinement to the engine and larger cross-member bushings on the front and rear suspension.

Other key features have been maintained from the previous model, but they have introduced sharper body lines and a more elongated sedan silhouette. The result is wheelbase 10mm longer and the full vehicle 10mm longer, 25 mm wider and 10 mm taller all resulting in more room for drivers, passengers and luggage. The increased space is accompanied by a totally redesigned interior crafted with the care and attention to detail typically associated with E segment models.

Kia Motors Ireland say that they are confident that the new Optima will renew the company’s challenge in the competitive D segment.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune