All-new Kia Optima EX arrives at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only late last year when Kia revealed the updated and improved Optima GT in Malaysia. However, with prices starting at RM 169,888, this top-of-the-range variant can put quite a burden on your bank balance. As it turns out, the Korean automaker has been paying attention to the situation at hand and formally acknowledged that it was indeed bringing in a more affordable Optima to our shores. Now, with the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow in full swing, we finally have with us the new Kia Optima EX. At RM 139, 888, the Optima EX sits one notch lower in the family tree, with the GT trim all the way at the top.

To make it less expensive, Kia had to skimp on a few things when it came to the Optima EX. For example, whilst both sip petrol, the GT comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with direct injection, thus dishing out 242 hp and 356 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the EX makes do with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit and without direct injection, which translates to 160 hp and 196 Nm of torque. As for the changes along the exterior, there aren’t that many. The most perceivable ones can be found in the differences in design in the grille, front bumper, and alloy wheels. The more expensive GT trim wears a more intricate mesh grille along with a honeycomb pattern on the centre air dam. Meanwhile, the EX features Kia’s newer “vertical intaglio grille”, but its air dam design isn’t particularly noteworthy. As for the rims, the Optima GT rides on 18-inchers, where the EX comes with smaller 17-inch wheels.

On the inside, the new Kia Optima EX skips on leather upholstery, heated & ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging pad, ambient lighting, a flat-bottom steering wheel with heating function, and the panoramic sunroof. What it does retain from the GT, however, is the memory function for the driver’s power-operated seat, surround-view camera system, and the 7-inch infotainment display which also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In conclusion, the 2019 Kia Optima EX not only costs RM 30,000 less than the top GT trim, but it isn’t exactly bare bones.