New York 2015: 2016 Kia Optima Arrives

by Cameron Aubernon

April 1st, 2015 2:45 PM

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Coming on the heels of the Sportspace Concept, the 2016 Kia Optima made its global debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

Two engines carried over from the outgoing model will join a third engine for the 2016 model year. The carry-overs are a 2.4-liter direct-injection naturally aspirated four and a 2-liter direct-injection turbo-four, delivering 185 horses and 247 horses through a six-speed automatic to the front. The third engine is a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox found in the Hyundai Sonata Eco.

Inside, soft-touch materials, metallic accents, real stitching in the dash and door panels, and cloth or leather seating await occupants. Meanwhile, Kia’s UVO connected-vehicle system comes with four new features not previously found in the Optima, including curfew alert and geo-fencing. The Optima itself is the pilot vehicle for the brand’s introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, allowing iPhone and Android users to use their smartphones in conjunction with UVO.

Pricing wasn’t announced at this time, but Kia said to expect the 2016 Optima to hit showrooms in Q4 2015.

#Kia #MY2016 #NewYork2015 #Optima

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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2 of 32 comments

Tsoden on Apr 02, 2015

Hello 2011 Stretched Kia Forte... oh wait!

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TMA1 on Apr 02, 2015

Well, it was nice while it lasted. The previous K5, I mean. That was a handsome car, the one that made me aware of Kia as a brand. This... studied hard at the Sonata school of disappointing sequels.

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