UNITED STATED Kia Optima pricing announced

UNITED STATED Kia Optima pricing announced

Kia has announced prices of the brand new Optima mid-sized sedan. The entry-level LX starts from $19,690* with a 2.4 litre, 200bhp 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a 6 speed manual.

Three trim-levels, LX, EX & SX, will be available, alongside two transmissions and two petrol engines; 2.4 litre with 200bhp and a 2.0T GDI with 274bhp. The latter will be able to do 34mpg on the highway.

Customer will be expected to pay $1,000 more for the base model over the 2010 Optima and $3,200 more on the range-topping SX, which will arrive in dealerships soon.

Entry-level LX comes with 16” steel wheels, body-coloured door handles, mirrors and bumpers, dual exhaust w/chrome tips, 6 speakers w/AUX/USB/iPod input, Bluetooth, air conditioning, x4 electric windows, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electrically adjustable door mirrors w/integrated indicators, front and rear armrest, height adjustable driver’s seat w/electric lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seats, x6 airbags, tilt adjustable steering wheel, active front headrests, hill-start control, and traction control.

The LX with a 6 speed automatic transmission starts at $21,190 and adds 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lamps, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and an Active Eco System.

Mid-spec EX features 17” alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, heated door mirrors, keyless entry & start, climate control, 8 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and leather interior. This starts at $23,190.

The Optima EX 2.0T starts at $25,190. This obtains larger front disc brakes, unique front grille, and wood and metal interior accents.

Range-topping SX is only available with the 2.0T and a 6 speed automatic for $26,690. The SX is equipped with 18” alloy wheels, sports suspension, bi-xenon headlights w/LED tail-lights, paddle shifters, alloy pedals, black leather and woven seat trim, supervision meter cluster, carbon fibre interior trim, and illuminated door scuff plates.

*Prices include $695 destination and handling fee.