Besides the exciting Koup concept car, Kia Motors America (KMA) also unveiled the 2009 Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Revised Optima now offers a completely modified exterior, which is more aggressive and dynamic than on previous model. Facelifted Optima is outfitted with a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy! It goeas on sale in early fall.
For 2009, Optima also is larger than its predecessors, which complements its distinctive new styling and separates itself from other vehicles in the growing midsize segment.
“Optima is in a strong position to change the way consumers think about midsize sedan offerings,” said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales of KMA. “Already known for its exemplary quality, safety and value, Optima’s sleek new redesign provides consumers with a sporty, fuel-efficient choice and showcases Kia’s commitment to providing the best all-around vehicle package.”
Engines, safety, interior and exterior details and more images…after the jump. Exterior Excitement
The 2009 Optima is presented with new front, side and rear styling cues, which build upon Kia’s philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The fog lamps and lower front grille have been enlarged and the headlamps narrowed to create an aggressively sharper look. Wider side garnishes add sportiness while the acute front lines continue toward the back, ending on a distinctly edged trunk lid. To complete the redesigned rear fascia, taillights are narrowed to enhance Optima’s sleeker cosmetic appearance.
Also, new for 2009 is the addition of the sporty SX trim, which complements the handsomely-equipped, value-priced LX and luxury-oriented EX trims. Already available with Kia’s Rio, Rio5, Spectra and Spectra5 models, the SX line provides another dimension for Optima buyers looking for a sportier midsize. Along with a sport-tuned suspension, SX upgrades include: a black-bezeled front grille and headlamps, LED outside-mirror turning signals, fog lights and hyper-silver-finished 17-inch wheels. EX and LX V6 models are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, and are fitted with Goodyear tires.
The 2009 Optima’s overall length also increased, extending nearly two inches in the front and one inch in the rear, to an overall length of roughly 189 inches. The larger proportions enhance the exterior styling for a lower, leaner, more powerful stance. All other dimensions, including wheelbase, remain unchanged.
Efficient, Powerful Engine
Available in two powerplants – a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 2.7-liter V6 engine – and two five-speed transmissions (manual with LX four-cylinder model only), the 2009 Optima introduces a new engine under its hood. When redesigned as a 2006.5 model, the peppy four-cylinder engine delivered 161 horsepower, a 15-percent increase from the previous generation. For 2009, a more powerful 2.4-liter engine takes its place, producing an additional 13 horsepower. Optima’s four-cylinder output increases to 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. The available 2.7-liter V6 engine remains a carryover but output has increased to 190 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is mated to a five-speed, gated automatic transmission. All automatics feature Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting.
The introductions of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) further enhance Optima’s new under-the-hood excitement. These added systems improve the vehicle’s fuel economy without sacrificing power.
Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front with a multi-link layout in the rear and are joined with coil springs and anti-roll bars (standard equipment on all models) to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.
Interior Refinement
The style makeover continues into the Optima’s cabin with expanded electronics melded with refreshed fascia patterns and color schemes. Based on a new platform, the standard audio system features MP3 compatibility, a USB port and SIRIUS satellite radio capability in addition to an auxiliary jack, which was added to 2008 models. An optional in-dash navigation system also is an Optima first.
The rest of the center fascia and floor console receive minor tuning for even more intuitive operation whereas the new barrel-type instrument cluster design adopts a sporty red illumination. Optima continues to offer two seat trims in gray or beige color schemes – cloth (LX), leather (EX) – with black leather trim on SX models, which also features aluminum trim, metal sport pedals and a Supervision meter cluster.
Amidst the host of additional options, Optima still offers an array of standard features. The LX is equipped with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, cloth seat and door trim, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat as well as 60/40-split folding rear seats. EX models upgrade to a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic functions, leather seat and door trim, leather-wrapped shift knob, automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror featuring Homelink® and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Convenience and Premium Packages offer further content upgrades, including a power sunroof and an Infinity® audio system.
Safety-Minded
As with the rest of the Kia line-up, the 2009 Optima is equipped with many safety features as standard equipment. This includes six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The Electronic Stability Control Package adds Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), brake assist and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Competitive Warranty
The 2009 Optima is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage. [Source: Kia Motors America]
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March 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Is kia interested in using the H-grille on their cars? they didnt even put it on the new soul. This optima looks great and the red back lighting on the gauges look very neat.
March 21st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Great info Himi! A couple of observations, all in my humble opinion of course :
- like the fact that the body style is fundamentally unchanged- that is Kia has NOT tried to copy that “elongated front look” that Honda and Toyota have moved towards in their new generation mid-sizers. This body design looks sturdy, with european dna - all very good.
_ increase in car size may be ok but I always personally preferred the fact that the Optima offered a slightly smaller body exterior, yet with lots of interior room. Will be interested to see how much the weight of the car increased - hope not too much.
-do not personally like the “barrel -type” instrument cluster and see the move from blue to red highlihts as a step backwards.
- the improved 2.7 engine will be more than adequate for most people BUT the American car review mags will tend to see the lower hp as a shortcoming ,and will leave this vehicle out of most comparos as being not competitive. It`s not clear but Kia would be very smart to offer the SX package with the 4 cylinder engine package !!
March 21st, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Sorry himi- I don`t know what happened above. Maybe you can fix this?
March 21st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
it happens when you start a new paragraph after leaving one line.
March 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
The gas gage is a step back to me with the red lighting. I like the back. The front isn’t excatly what I had in mind. It’s kind of tacky to me. I’m not impressed. The Optima was my favorite car. Now they F it up.
March 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
No problem micro99! I use Mozilla Firefox and everything is fine. This website is best viewed with Mozilla Firefox, btw…
March 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I don’t get it. Why is it that on the teaser I was impressed the way the grille looked. It would have looked better with the Kee’s grille instead of the Kue’s grille that was shrunk down to size. The Kee’s headlights were better looking too.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
The red barrel guages are awful. Mom said that she would rather take a step backward into a Spectra. She says that she has never seen worse guages. I have to agree with her. Otherwise, I like it.
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
its actually the same grill i supose kia has showed of the sporty model of the pack i prefer the chrome grill fro the teaser
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:27 am
Overall it’s a nice midsize, but, I am so smitten by the new Kia Koup and the Spectra-TD sedan for 2009 that the Optima takes a back seat. Pardon the pun. I think that the press is full of crap if they think the lower hp is a big step backwards. Like picky-picky-picky to the max. This will be a more than competent midsize sedan packed with value and good looks and a great Warranty and a very fair initial price. All of the same things that Kia consistently offers folks.
March 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 am
I like torque ratings to be higher than the hp rating but its OK. This is the SX sport package, so maybe the others (EX & LX) will have that chrome H-grille seen the teasers. but this one’s front design just wont do.
March 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
it says this is the sx grille since it is blacked out
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:09 am
That’s what’s wrong. The grille to me looks plain. I’m glad it is not standard. Good thing the base and EX will have the Kee’s grille. Wasn’t the Soul supposed to be shown?
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 am
No. thats in september/october at the paris motorshow.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
You’re right Greg. Soul is scheduled for world-wide debut at September’s Paris Auto Show. Can’t wait to see it!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
whats greg right about? the gauges? or were you talking about my post?
June 30th, 2008 at 4:03 am
I like the new ‘09 Optima! I do not like the gauge package!!!! Makes the car look very cheap. Maybe Kia could change it before the new model comes out!!!! If you get up to the higher model the price is going toward a Honda, Toyota and Nissan. I like it but not enough to spend the extra money for the one I want.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:41 am
how would you like the gauge cluster to be?
October 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Maybe Korea just recently got the 1990 Auto Issue of Consumer Reports. The front end of the new 2009 Kia Optima looks more-than-ever like a 90’s Ford Topaz.
October 13th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
HAHAHAHAHA! ROFL LMAO!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Were you born without eyes? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Have you ever seen a topaz? HAHAHAHA!
October 13th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
OMG! my stmach’s hurtin’. LMAO! topaz OHO OHO HAHAHAA!! TOPAZ!!! O I’m going mad! TOPAZ!!!
October 20th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
The Front end favors the Acura TL & Toyota Camry.
December 13th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
i think that kia optima is a best design and have a good engine
December 14th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
KIA MOTORS COMPANY
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: +33170617847
FAX: +33684720741
AN INFORMATION FROM KIA COMPANY
Complement of the season, greetings to you from the chief executive officer Mr. Morgan Don of KIA Motors Company United Kingdom. On behalf of the company we will like to inform your company about the Fifty Brand New KIA Motors that was manufactured recently in Korea. However we needed companies that will want us to supply Cars to them. And the company has come into final consensus that the first Five companies to send their letter / message of interest or for them having any requirement we receive Cars at a cheaper rate. Message / latter of interest should be sent to the company at kia.melotgroup@yahoo.com Note: This offer is due to the fact that the company’s office in Korea has just located this office / company in United Kingdom and we want other companies to be aware of it in case they have any requirement.
For details contact the CEO.
Mr.Charles calum
Email:kia_camelotgroup@yahoo.com
Fax+33170617847
December 14th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
You should probably report that to someone, Charles. It is nothing but a lie. I’m sorry that got sent to you.