Kia's often-overlooked Accord and Camry competitor gets a mid-cycle freshening and a New York auto show debut. A new grille and headlamps give it a bit more of the emerging Kia family look that we see in the hot Kia Koup concept that took center stage for Kia in New York.
The Optima shown at the 2008 New York auto show is in SX trim, marking the first time that Kia has affixed that badging to the Optima; it signifies a sportier tune. Turn signals that are now integrated into the side rearview mirrors; new taillights and deck lid; new standard Sirius satellite radio; and a new three-pod instrument gauge cluster round out the changes for the face-lifted 2009 Kia Optima. It goes on sale this fall.
Kia also announced today that, beginning January 1, 2009, all Kia cars sold in America will come standard with Sirius and a three-month subscription.