Kia Optima GT, more powerful and sporty

New Kia Optima GT

To give the new Kia Optima a much more eye-catching look, the Korean brand has fitted it with the GT trim. The new Kia Optima GT is the result of the coordinated effort of the European and global R&D centres of Kia: the one in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the one in Namyang, Korea. The exterior details give it a much sportier look than the production saloon on which it is based. It is available in both the saloon and the Sportswagon versions.

The new front and rear bumpers stand out. At the front, the “tiger-nose” grille receives a satin chrome finish, and the integrated light clusters feature an LED light signature. Other notable details are the new 18″ aluminium alloy wheels, which house red-painted brake calipers and larger ventilated discs, as well as satin chrome side mouldings and door handles. At the rear, the new diffuser with twin exhaust outlets at its ends and the special GT badge catch the eye. The Kia Optima GT is available in the same eight exterior colours already offered across the Optima range.

The interior matches the sporty exterior with more attractive details for this version, such as the new leather sports seats, front and rear, which are finished in black with red stitching. The front seats have the GT logo engraved. The interior roof lining is in black suede, and the centre console has an aluminium finish. The Optima GT is distinguished by new aluminium pedals and a “D”-shaped steering wheel trimmed in black leather with red stitching. As with the seats, the steering wheel also features the GT badge. The instrumentation includes a digital turbo boost gauge and an indicator of the torque being generated at any moment.

New Kia Optima GT

Besides the distinctive details of this version, the new Optima GT stands out for its spacious cabin and for the 510-litre boot capacity in the saloon and 552 litres in the GT Sportswagon, expandable up to 1,686 litres when the rear seats with split backrest are folded down. It comes as standard with a hands-free automatic tailgate and a compartment for the flexible cover under the boot floor.

The chassis has also been improved over the standard version, and the suspension has been modified to increase agility and improve body control when cornering at high speed. This gives the Kia Optima GT greater stability and comfort for its occupants. It is also fitted with a bespoke version of Kia’s electric motor-driven power steering (Rack-mounted Electric Motor-driven Power Steering, RMDPS), mounted directly on the rack rather than on the steering column. It provides a higher level of feel, precision and faster responses.

Standard equipment includes Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), which allows the damper firmness to be set independently for each wheel. ECS detects steering movements and accelerator position and monitors road conditions to adapt the suspension to either a firm, sporty feel or greater comfort. The driver can choose between Sport, Normal and Eco modes. The Optima GT is also equipped with a specially tuned version of Kia’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC), part of the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which ensures stability under braking and in corners.

Interior of the New Kia Optima GT

The new Kia Optima GT is powered by the new all-aluminium 2.0-litre T-GDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, producing 245 CV. It is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. One of the main innovations is the CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) variable valve timing system driven by a motor, together with new laser-drilled injectors.

In terms of infotainment systems, the Optima GT is one of the first Kia models with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is also equipped with Kia Connected Services provided by TomTom, with real-time traffic updates, speed camera alerts, local search and weather forecasts. Both systems are operated via the HMI (human-machine interface) with an 8″ touchscreen. In Europe this system will be available free of charge to Optima GT customers for seven years after purchase. It also features a wireless charger for mobile devices, located in the centre console.

The touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a powerful Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, rated at 590 W with 10 speakers in the saloon and 490 W and eight speakers in the Sportswagon. Both feature an external amplifier and a subwoofer, as well as Clari-Fi™ MP3 sound restoration technology.

As regards active and passive safety, the Optima GT is available with a range of advanced driver assistance systems from Kia’s DRIVE WISE division. These include adaptive cruise control (ASCC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKAS), high beam assist (HBA), traffic sign recognition, blind-spot detection (BSD) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).

Source | Kia