Range Rover

The string of Korean debuts continues in New York with the debut of the 2009 Kia Optima. Making its world debut in the Big Apple yesterday, the Optima receives extensive exterior changes, minor interior revisions, and new engines. The front fascia now incorporates Kia's new corporate look, but we question the existence of the two center bulges on the grille that appeared in earlier spy shots. The rear also receives new taillights that now look more like a cross-bred of the Hyundai Sonata and the pre-facelift Optima. Does it build upon Kia's philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion? We think Kia needs more practice on that, but we certainly believe the 2009 Optima looks more exciting than its predecessor.

The 2009 Optima is also larger, with an increased overall length to 189 inches. The interior also receives a host of new changes including refreshed fascia patterns and color schemes. New barrel-type instrument clusters with red illumination round up the changes inside. New for 2009 is an SX trim that adds a slew of sporty touches onto the EX trim such as sport-tuned suspension, black-bezeled front grille and headlights, LED outside-mirror turning signals, fog lights and hyper-silver-finished 17-inch wheels. The SX also adds black leather-trimmed interior, aluminum trim, metal sport pedals, and Supervision meter cluster. A USB port and SIRIUS satellite radio capability is added for 2009. An in-dash navigation system is also available, new for 2009.

New engines are also in the agenda - a 2.4L four-cylinder 175 horsepower and a 2.7L six-cylinder with 190 horsepower. The former receives a 13-hp boost , which only further defeats the purpose of opting for the underpowered V6. In comparison, a 2008 Honda Accord EX produces 190 horsepower with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Every 2009 Optima comes standard with six airbags. However, unlike Hyundai's recent vehicles, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not standard. The 2009 Kia Optima is slated to go on sale in early fall of this year. Prices are likely to receive a moderate boost.

High-resolution images and the official press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Kia]


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