At the first time Kia talked about releasing the Optima in Europe with four different engines (1.6 GDi with 140hp, 2.0 GDi 168hp and 1.7 CRDi with 115 and 136hp). Finally, all the Optimas that will be available in 2012 by the Korean automaker will have the 1.7 CRDi with 136hp, and as a limited units.
In some markets (not confirmed yet) Kia will also offer a 168hp GDi 2.0-liter petrol from May and a hybrid with a total of 187hp towards the end of 2012. About the engine, this is an evolution of the 1.6 CRDi known in other models from Hyundai-Kia. The Optima are available with two 6 speed transmission (manual and automatic) and optional can included the EcoDynamics Package (with ISG Start – Stop System) to get more efficiency and reduce the CO2 emissions. With this package the Optima get 4.9 l/100km and 128 g/km CO2, without gets 5,3 l/100km and 136 g/km (always with the manual transmission).
It also comes packed full of equipment, especially in the highest-spec model. Lane keep assist, 18-inch alloys, full leather upholstery, sat-nav, a rear view camera and a 12-speaker stereo are all on the standard equipment list. We were told to expect this model to cost around €26,000, which is about as much as the most expensive Mondeo or Passat, so the Kia Optima must deliver on the road.
Stay tuned! We update the post with new information, prices and more as soon as possible. In the mid time, we’ll let you enjoy the photo gallery below.
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