/2016 Kia Optima Debuts at NYIAS

2016 Kia Optima Debuts at NYIAS

2016 Kia Optima 0 600x342 at 2016 Kia Optima Debuts at NYIAS

After a fairly heavy teasing campaign, the all-new 2016 Kia Optima made it official debut at the New York Auto Show last night, introducing not just new looks, but a whole lot of new features besides. It comes in five different trim levels and with three different engines.

The design of the 2016 Kia Optima is decidedly European, according to Kia, and uses inputs from the firm’s high-end models such as the K900. Compared to the current version, the Optima has traded most of its sharp edges for soft and cuddly curves, which isn’t very cool to be honest, but makes the whole thing look more luxurious.

Available in five trim levels of LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SXL, the new Kia Optima offers something for everyone. And it is not just in terms of equipment, either. You can choose between three engines, including a 1.6 liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 2.4 liter 185 hp unit, and a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-pot with 250 hp. Needless to say, the latter seems like the sweetest option. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a 7-speed dual-clutch option available for the 1.6 engine.

2016 Kia Optima also benefits from a much nicer interior than the current model. It is still pretty dark and gray in there, but at least the design of the dashboard is fairly modern and you get a more than decent amount of kit. Depending on the boxes you tick on the options list, you can get features like UVO2 infotainment, full smartphone integration, Infinity Premium Audio System 360-degree Around View Monitor, and a host of safety features such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

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