OFFICIAL Malaysian Kia vehicles distributor Naza Kia Malaysia ushered in the new year late last week on a high note, introducing its new and improved Kia Optima K5 sedan model into our market.
Packing more than 30 improvements and enhancements over its predecessor, it looks set to shift itself into a higher position within the highly competitive local D-segment market.
While its basic shape has been retained, the refreshed K5 Optima's exterior is now littered with various small yet significant enhancements. Elevating the sedan's stance even further are the restyled front and rear bumpers, with the former housing a set of new 'Ice Cube' LED fog lamps on each side, followed by the new tabbed radiator grille design whilst the latter now features a newly added diffuser to compliment the sharpened boot lid design.
Rounding things off are a set of new 18-inch alloy wheels boasting a race-inspired 10-spoke design. The same treatment has been given to the cabin as well.
Highlights here include the refined metal-finish incorporated in the door trims, the centre console's revamped design, a stylish new D-shaped steering wheel, as well as an updated and enlarged instrumentation cluster.
The biggest highlight here comes from the front seats, where it not only features an updated frame with better support and knee comfort, it now boasts Kia's air-ventilation system as seen in the premium variant of the Cerato, further raising comfort levels.
The cabin also features an eightspeaker Infinity audio system that comes with a 4.3-inch TFT-LCD display head unit, complete with reverse camera view function, as well as AUX, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Other features primed as standard include the smart keyless entry with engine push-start button boasting an updated Smart Key design, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, as well as the eight-way electric drivers seat adjustment with memory function and four-way electric front passenger seat adjustment.
Unlike its predecessor, attentionto-detail has been further increased with the new cabin, resonating in its refreshed premium ambiance. Whilst it is carried-over from its previous iteration, the powertrain still commands respect from several key updates and enhancements.
Power and torque figures have been raised slightly to 163hp and 198Nm respectively, transferred on the road via a sixspeed automatic transmission with dynamic steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Fuel efficiency also sees an improvement, where the new Optima K5 will now deliver fuel economy of up to 7.6 km/litre. Enhancing the powertrain further is the newly added 'Drive Mode Select' feature, making the new Optima K5 the first model made by Kia to feature it.
The Drive Mode Select grants drivers with the choice of three driving modes – 'Eco', 'Normal', and 'Sport'. While Eco mode optimises the drivetrain for optimum fuel efficiency, the Sport mode instead adds a slightly heavier steering weight with quicker throttle responses.
Also refined are the Optima K5's suspension units, whereby its high performance dampers equipped now promises better handling and comfort. More importantly, it works in conjunction with the car's enhanced chassis structure, and the aforementioned new alloy wheels, to further reduce cabin road noise intrusion by 3.3 decibels from its predecessor.
Rounding things off with the enhancements is the extensive array of safety gear equipped in the new Optima K5. Standard equipment include six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, hill-start assist, as well as traction and stability controls, earning the Optima K5 a five-star rating by the NHTSA.
Added visibility also comes from the new hydrophobic treated windscreen, while all four power windows feature child-safe Safety Auto Pinching feature as well. Available in four-paintjob options, the heavily updated Kia Optima K5 retails with a starting on-the-road price of RM149,888 inclusive of Kia's standard offer of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plan.
Viewings and purchases can be done at all authorised Naza Kia dealerships nationwide starting this month. Adding to the excitement, Naza Kia have announced that it will hold several exciting activities for the public in conjunction with the Kia brand's position as the official partner to the 2015 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Starting from February until June, Naza Kia will reward 10 winners that participate in the World Cup Rocks with Kia festivities, namely the Fuleco Friend Search, Champ to Rio Futsal Tournament, 2014 World Cup Road Show and the Cheer with Kia viewing party.
Winners will be rewarded with tickets to attend the World Cup tournament in Brazil, complete with a total package of flight tickets, accomodation, and a Brazil city tour. Beside that, the winning team from the Champ to Rio Futsal Tournament will be given the chance to represent Malaysia in the upcoming Final World Futsal stage in Brazil.
More details on these exciting activities, as well as information on the newly enhanced Optima K5 can be obtained online via Kia's offcial Malaysian website, as well as its social media pages, or by calling the Kia Careline.
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Optima K5’s enhanced structure sees the cabin’s road noise intrusion reduced by 3.3 decibels, increasing the cabin’s comfort levels further.
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Also new on board is the race-inspired D-shaped steering wheel design meant to give drivers a slightly more refined and dynamic feel whilst driving.
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The refreshed Optima K5 now rolls on new 18-inch alloys while the sharpened boot-lid is complimented by the rear bumper’s newly incorporated diffuser.
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