8. 2016 Kia Optima
What’s New?
The Optima has been redesigned for 2016, and Kia has made several changes intended for enhancing comfort and handling while lowering noise that means the Optima is more pleasing to drive than ever.
A modern 1.6L turbo is the fresh entry-level powerplant and comes linked to the new-for-2016 Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. UVO infotainment system of Kia has been refurbished and includes many fresh features designed for parents of young drivers.
Exterior Features
Built with a more robust and the stiffer car architecture, the modern 2016 Optima is wider, longer, taller, and more aerodynamic than the version it replaces, according to the Kia.
Key Optima design qualities are retained in what the manufacturer characterizes as a “functional, athletic, and sporty” design.
Three fresh paint colors debut for 2016 and the aluminum wheels are now standard for all trim levels. The EX comes with 17-in. Wheels, the LX Turbo, and LX have 16-inch wheels, and the SX and SX Turbo Limited are fitted with 18-inch wheels.
Source: autoexpress
Interior Features
The 2016 Kia Optima’s higher dimensions translate to extra interior space, with Kia reporting developments regarding shoulder room, headroom, rear-seat legroom, and the cargo capacity. The stronger structure contributes to a reduction in vibration, noise, and the harshness levels, also, and Kia has improved the cabin of Optima with extra use of metallic accent trim, soft-touch materials, and actual stitching on the door panels and dashboard. Also, redesigned seats debut in the modern Optima, featuring what Kia says is improved comfort and support and deeper bolstering. Based on the trim level, upholstery options include leather, cloth, or premium diamond-quilted Nappa leather. The new interior colors include Dark Aubergine and Merlot.
Technology
Each 2016 Optima include UVO eServices technology of Kia, accessed using an eight-inch touch-screen on the dashboard. The system makes the fresh Optima the first Kia to provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. Using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Optima owners can easily connect a smartphone to the system using one of the fast-charge USB ports of Optima, changing the UVO eServices display into a facsimile of their device complete with the capacity to control main features and the mobile applications installed on the smartphone through the touchscreen, the steering wheel controls of car, or the voice-command system of Optima.
Engine/ Fuel Efficiency
The redesigned 2016 Kia Optima features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder base engine which produces 185HP. A 178-HP, 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 245-HP, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine are available. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, even though models with the 1.6-liter engine have a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. According to EPA, the 2016 Optima with the base engine gets 24/35 MPG city/highway that’s close to average for the class.
Source: Kia
Safety
According to Kia, the more robust structure of 2016 Optima also contributes to advanced crash-worthiness in relation to the model it substitutes. The UVO eServices system now includes 911 Connect, the service which automatically dials out to the emergency responders following any collision and an air bag deployment to speed rescuers to the accident scene. Latest features for UVO eServices include Curfew Alert, Speed Alert, Driving Score and Geo-Fencing, each useful to responsible parents when a young driver is using the vehicle. A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, and an Advanced Smart Cruise Control system with Autonomous Emergency Braking are and forward-collision warning available as options.
Featured Image: Kia.com
Posted on May 5, 2023