Last Sunday’s Super Bowl commercials included the appearance of actor Christopher Walken in the introduction of the latest Kia Optima. As seen in the clip below, the ‘Pulp Fiction’ star presented the 2016 midsize sedan, which comes with a broader signature “Tiger Nose” grille.
The new Kia Optima was made known to have been upgraded with remarkable, brand-new front and rear fascias. Depending on the preferred trim, vehicle owners can enjoy sleek headlights that come with bi-xenon High-Intensity Discharge lights, Dynamic Bending Light and High Beam Assist.
Aside from having larger taillights, the Kia Optima 2016 comes with a longer-sloped roof and larger side windows for enhanced visibility.
The Automatic HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light is expected to turn with the front wheels simultaneously, while the High Beam Assist is capable of turning the lights to low beam when approaching traffic is detected.
The Smart Welcome can detect the presence of the smart key (with engine immobilizer) while the vehicle’s LED lighting has been incorporated into both its interior and exterior.
In the latest commercial, the vehicle’s new body boasts a stiffer set of wheels, body panels and engine mounts with the goal of reducing noise and vibration while improving overall handling. Moreover, a stiffer frame and a more compact foam have resulted to added seat comfort.
Coming in four colors, the seats’ cloth covering are complemented with YES Essentials stain/odor/static treatment, leather/sport leather, or premium quilted nappa leather.
According to reviews, the seat surfaces are more than comfortable, especially with scientifically-designed compactness in key points and strong bolsters. Five passengers can ride in comfort in the Kia Optima 2016.
Both front and rear seats are heated, with their consoles having 12-volt outlets, USB/auxiliary ports, adjustable air vents on the front floor console, map pocket/bottle holders, bolstered outboard seats, and manual door sunshades.
The new Optima comes with a leather-wrapped, tilt-telescopic sport steering wheel with key controls for phone, audio, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, and Driver Information Display made available on the 4.3-inch TFT color LCD instrument panel.
The infotainment system also includes a 10-speaker, 630-watt Harman/Kardon premium audio system with AM/FM/HD radio. Multiple features for driver-assist are available as well, such as warning for lane departures, blind-spot detection, forward collision with automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Depending on the trim level, customers can choose from the Kia Optima 2016’s eight exterior colors as well as three wheel sizes (16, 17 and 18 inches).
Kia is currently offering five trim levels- LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX, SX LTD – which come with prices between $21,840 and $35,790. The Optima 2016 interior also has high-quality stitching on its leatherette dash and door panels, which is rather scarce considering the price level.
While a 6-speed automatic transmission is offered for all trims, the 1.6-liter engine LX model includes a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission for speedier shifts.
The holdover 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder is capable of generating 185 horsepower (for LX and EX models), whereas the 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine generates 245 horsepower (for SXL and SXT models). The automatic gearboxes have been retuned for enhanced fuel economy and performance.
With safety as a top concern, the Kia Optima 2016 comes with a rearview camera, together with front airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, rear child safety door locks, anchors and tethers for child seats and internal emergency trunk release.
