Subtly facelifted 2018 Kia Optima brings new powertrains and features to Geneva

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It will arrive in dealerships in Q3 2018

Only two years after the world debut of the Optima Sportswagon, Kia is applying a series of powertrain, equipment and styling updates to the entire Optima family at the Geneva Motor Show.

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Both the sedan and the wagon get two fresh powertrain options: an all-new 1.6-liter CRDi diesel engine, and a 1.6-liter T-GDi gasoline unit. Delivering 136 metric horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2,000 rpm and 2,250 rpm the new "U3" diesel powertrain replaces the 1.7-liter CRDi unit and complies with the strict Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard thanks to the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology. As a result, Kia says the powertrain emits low carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and NOx emissions.

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As for the 1.6-liter T-GDi engine, it produces 180 hp, slotting between the naturally-aspirated 163-hp 2.0-liter CVVL unit and the 245-hp 2.0-liter T-GDi that powers the Optima GT. The new engine is mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission fitted with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

In addition to the new engines, the refreshed Optima gets a new Drive Mode Selector that lets drivers switch between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes — with the latter designed to anticipate the driver's needs.

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Styling-wise, Kia hasn't made significant changes. On the outside, the Optima features a revised front bumper design, bright chrome finish for the "tiger-nose" grille, refreshed headlights and fog lamps, and new LED taillights. The Optima sedan also gets a new rear bumper design. Customers can order a new "Runway Red" paint, as well as new designs for the 16-, 17-, and 18-inch alloys. GT Line and GT models gain new LED fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black trim.

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Inside, the refreshed Kia Optima receives a new steering wheel and satin-chrome trim on the center console. Buyers can have the interior in black, two-tone black and grey cloth or leather, or a newly-introduced brown fabric or leather upholstery. In addition, the Optima now offers ambient lighting with six different colors.

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Besides the subtly refreshed styling, the Optima gains Kia's latest active safety and in-car connectivity technologies. New driver assist systems include Driver Attention Warning (DAW), while the latest 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems offer navigation, Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system is linked to a new higher-resolution Around View Monitor (AVM) camera system that provides a 360-degree view of the Optima's surroundings.

The upgraded Kia Optima sedan and Sportswagon will go on sale across Europe in the third-quarter of 2018.

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