2019 Kia Optima facelift launched in Malaysia, starts at RM 169,888

KUALA LUMPUR: With the prices starting from RM 169,888, the facelifted 2019 Kia Optima has made its way to the South Korean automaker’s Malaysian website. The latest Optima will be offered with two powerhouse options, which include a turbocharged mill for the GT variant.

Featuring vertical slats for the popular ‘tiger-nose’ grille is the revamped exterior of the D-segment sedan. However, there is a different V-shaped mesh pattern grille on the GT variant. Larger corner inlets along with LED or halogen fog lamps (depending on the variant) are to be found on the redesigned front bumper. As a matter of fact, the new front fascia resembles the Korean and  European Optima.

An updated diffuser plate, reflectors which are now positioned a bit higher than before, and LED taillights with redesigned graphics are seen on the rear of the 2019 Optima. The wheels are 18-inch fan-design alloys wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires. Dual oval-shaped exhaust outlets are present on the GT variant, whereas, the rest get the conventional pipes.

A brand new steering wheel design is the most prominent update inside the 2019 Optima, with other elements remaining the same. Still, there are ample features included in the sedan such as, ambient lighting, a 4.3-inch multi-info instrument cluster display, eight-way powered front seats equipped with memory function, paddle shifters, rear sunshades, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charger, keyless entry and start, an electronic parking brake, and Smart Shift & Drive.

The list of safety features includes Around View Monitor with Parking Guidance (AVM), Parking Distance Warning-Forward (PDW-F), 6-airbags, and Parking Distance Warning – Reverse (PDW-R). ABS with EBD, stability control, traction control will also be making their way to the latest sedan by Kia.

The engine in the regular Optima is the Nu 2.0-litre CVVL 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated churning out 163 PS of power and 196 Nm of peak torque. The GT variant gets an exclusive turbocharged Theta 2.0 T-GDi producing 245 PS of power and 350 Nm of peak torque.

The 2019 Kia Optima facelift will be showcased at the Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) on 3rd and 4th November, Setia City Convention Centre.