FIAT Doblò Cargo named Best Small Van at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours.

• FIAT Doblò Cargo named Best Small Van at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours  
• Van Fleet World judges were impressed by FIAT Doblò Cargo's wide range of engines, payload and load volumes, practicality, technology and breadth of range
• Priced from £13,245*, the FIAT Doblò Cargo is available in four bodystyles and four specification levels, with five powertrain options

FIAT Professional’s highly successful Doblò Cargo continues to impress the experts, this time securing the prestigious Best Small Van award at the 2016 Van Fleet World Honours announced today at a special ceremony in London.

Winning the Best Small Van award in the Van Fleet World Honours is no stranger to FIAT Professional as Doblò Cargo won the award previously in 2013 and has also won the Best Light Van Award in both 2010 & 2011.

Commenting on the FIAT Doblò Cargo's success, the Van Fleet World judges remarked: “Despite increasingly impressive competition, FIAT Professional’s Doblò Cargo remains the UK’s Best Small Van. Its unrivalled combination of engine choice, payload and load volumes, with no less than four body sizes available and a dropside pick-up, will appeal to the widest possible audience.”

“The face-lifted Doblò Cargo remains a pleasure to drive, with a wide choice of engine outputs and a cab that is bursting with useful technology,” said Van Fleet World editor Dan Gilkes. “However it is the van’s practicality that swung the judges’ decision, as the broad choice of body styles and load capacities deliver an unbeatable choice for fleets.”

Ricky McFarland, Country Manager FIAT Professional UK commented: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Van Fleet World Judges.”

“This is a very competitive segment and this latest accolade provides further recognition of what is clearly a class-leading van. The FIAT Doblò Cargo's value for money, versatility, practicality and economy has been appreciated by so many of our customers and we’re glad that the judging experts are in agreement too!" 

The Van Fleet World Honours awards are open to all motor manufacturers and the judging process combines the expert opinion of the Van Fleet World editorial team with data provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet advisors.

They are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

About the FIAT Doblò:

The fourth-generation FIAT Doblò received a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance and a new "EcoJet" version when it was launched in early 2015. It was also first vehicle to wear the full "FIAT Professional" logo on its tailgate. It is produced in the Tofaşplant in Bursa, Turkey, a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal winner.

Prices for the FIAT Doblò start at £13,245* and it is available in four bodystyles (Standard, Maxi, XL and Work Up) and four specification levels (Standard, SX, EcoJet and Tecnico) with five powertrain options (1.4 petrol 95hp, 1.3 MultiJet II 90hp, 1.6 MultiJet II 90hp Comfort-Matic, 1.6 MultiJet II 105hp and 2.0 MultiJet 135hp).

What started as a fun Limited Edition looks like turning into a great addition to the Korando Sport line up.

• SsangYong pick-up range now starts from just £14,495 CVOTR
• New DMZ ‘camo’ limited edition now on sale
• 1 tonne payload, 2.7 tonne towing capacity
• Coil spring multi-link rear suspension and great NVH give car-like driving experience

SsangYong is earning a solid reputation for value and quality, and nowhere is this more evident than with its Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up.

Korean engineered and built, the Korando Sports has a reputation for durability, and is the only pick-up to come with a 5 year limitless mileage warranty.  The range now comprises three models, the S, SX and EX with prices from just £14,495 - £18,195 (ex VAT).

Limited edition DMZ

Based on the top of the range EX automatic, the new Korando Sports DMZ is a limited edition model featuring full camouflage paintwork, roof rails and 18” alloy wheels, and priced at £19,195 (ex VAT).

Commented Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK,  “With its keen price and comprehensive list of standard equipment, Korando Sports gives you a lot of vehicle for the money - from £14,495 (ex VAT), and the reassurance of a 5 year limitless mileage warranty for complete peace of mind.

“It can be loaded like a truck yet still drives like a car, and really is the best value pick-up you can buy!

“The DMZ is a bit of fun.  We ordered a short run initially but they were instantly snapped-up by our dealers, so we think it could prove particularly popular with owner drivers.”

Korando Sports is powered by SsangYong’s e-XDi 2 litre diesel engine, and provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road, and fuel economy of up to 37.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle*.  The vehicle has very good levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and comes with on-demand 4-wheel drive, a full 1 tonne payload and a towing capability of up to 2.7 tonnes.

A real workhorse, the pick-up features a large, flat rear deck giving a 2.04m² load area to take a Euro pallet, and fitted with load deck liner and anchor points.  A range of optional rigid hard tops to provide weather protection and security to the load area is also available.

Also and unusually for the segment, the SsangYong Korando Sports also features a live rear axle supported by a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension system with progressive coil springs to give a comfortable, car like ride, instead of the more dated leaf springs employed on many other pick-ups.

Three models - S, SX & EX

In addition to DMZ there are three models to choose from.  The S is the lowest priced double cab pick-up on the market at just £14,495 (ex VAT).  The SX is a step up and extremely well equipped with 18” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, an MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity as well as speed sensitive power assisted steering.  The Korando Sports SX costs £15,395 (ex VAT).

The EX also features 18” alloy wheels, and adds the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors.  A Mercedes-Benz 5 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.  The EX with manual transmission is £16,995 (ex VAT), and with automatic transmission, £18,195 (ex VAT).

5 year limitless mileage warranty

As with all models in the SsangYong range, the new Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up is covered by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty.

Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.

All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

SsangYong

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, which is 73 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.  Established in 1954 it is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer and only 4x4 and SUV specialist producer.

There are currently some 60 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations being added to the network all the time.

*Fuel Consumption: Korando Sports manual - Urban: 29.4mpg  Extra urban: 44.1mpg  Combined: 37.7mpg

USA - 2016 Kia Forte Koup Offers European-inspired Design and Race-proven Performance

2016 Forte Koup Offers European-inspired Design and Race-proven Performance

• Fun-to-drive Forte Koup available in two trim levels
• Kia Racing won 2014 and 2015 Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car A class Championships with Forte Koup SX turbo

The ultra-sporty Forte Koup carries over to 2016 and continues to offer a fun-to-drive two-door version of its sedan and Forte5 siblings.

To back up its on-road performance prowess, the second-generation Forte Koup has earned its on-track credentials in the form of back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015 in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car A class, besting brands like Honda and Mazda along the way.

Available in two trim levels: EX and SX, the 2016 Forte Koup EX features a 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine, while the sportier SX trim features a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder.  The SX comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offers an available six-speed automatic with racing-inspired paddle shifters.

The 2016 Forte Koup rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension, and FlexSteer^®, standard on the EX trim, puts the driver in control with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button¹.

The EX trim’s standard features include 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry with trunk opener, Rear Camera Display², a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box.  

Features found in the optional Premium Tech Package include heated front seats, leather seat trim, power sunroof, push-button start with Smart Key and, new for 2016, navigation¹ with HD Radio^TM3, power adjustable heated and cooled driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic temperature control with center console rear vents.  

The sporty SX trim comes standard with push-button start with smart key, UVO eServices telematics⁴, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, larger front brake rotors, LED taillights, and a dual exhaust.

Created by Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the Forte Koup’s sporty two-door profile, swooping roofline, and aggressive stance lend to its racy appearance and provide the backbone of a proven race winner.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

¹ Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. Never use a handheld device or vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Navigation is for information purposes only, and Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information.

² The Rear Camera Display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. The Rear Camera Display may not detect every object behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.

³ HD Radio™ and the HD Radio™ logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

⁴ No subscription fee for UVO eServices. No charge for the UVO eServices app. App uses your smartphone cellular data service. Normal cellular service rates will apply.  Always drive safely and use caution.

** K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability. 

*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

The Fiat Doblo wins What Van? Light Van Of The Year Award 2016, and it's a worthy winner too.

• New FIAT Doblò Cargo is named Light Van of the Year at the 2016 What Van? Awards 
• What Van? judges were impressed by new FIAT Doblò Cargo's excellent driving dynamics, robust durability and expansive range
• Priced from £13,245*, the new FIAT Doblò Cargo is available in four bodystyles and four specification levels, with five powertrain options

FIAT Professional’s widely-acclaimed Doblò Cargo has secured yet another prestigious award after being named Light Van of the Year in the 2016 What Van? Awards announced today at a special ceremony in London.

The What Van? judging panel were impressed by the new FIAT Doblò Cargo’s class-leading attributes such as its excellent dynamics and comfort - courtesy of its sophisticated bi-link suspension - its segment-leading load and volume capacities as well as its solidity, robustness and breadth of range.

With a payload of up to one tonne and a load volume of up to 5.0m³, the Doblò Cargo has impressive carrying capacity both in terms of weight and size, which makes it ideal for commercial use. Its engine range provides low running costs and emissions, while a large number of variants are offered, making an excellent range of choice for any business looking to either expand or make changes to their fleet.

“The FIAT Doblò Cargo’s revamp has propelled it back to the top of the class,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “The combination of excellent driving dynamics, robust durability and broad range make for a champion light van worthy of recommendation.”

Ricky McFarland, Country Manager FIAT Professional UK, commented: "We are delighted to receive this honour from the What Van? team and glad that they have recognised the host of improvements made to the new Doblò Cargo. Having won this accolade four times previously with the last generation Doblò Cargo, it’s great that this new model is following in its footsteps.  This year’s award provides further testimony of its enduring success and the all-round qualities of this class-leading vehicle.”

What Van? is the UK’s premier title offering Light Commercial Vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.

About the FIAT Doblò Cargo:

The 2015 FIAT Doblò Cargo was launched to the UK media on 16 February, 2015, at a special event staged in the Midlands. The new fourth-generation FIAT Doblò Cargo features a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance for key models and a new “EcoJet” version engineered to lower fuel consumption and reduce running costs even further. The new Doblò Cargo is also the first vehicle to wear the full “FIAT Professional” logo on its tailgate, a signature which will appear on all new FIAT Professional commercial vehicles from now on.

Since it was first launched in 2000, the FIAT Doblò Cargo has amassed more than 1.4 million sales in more than 80 different countries, including North America where it retails as the RAM Promaster City. It is produced in the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey, a World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal winner. 

Prices for the new FIAT Doblò Cargo start at £13,245* and it is available in four body styles (Standard, Maxi, XL and Work Up) and four specification levels (Standard, SX, EcoJet and Tecnico) with five powertrain options (1.4 petrol 95hp, 1.3 MultiJet II 90hp, 1.6 MultiJet II 90hp Comfort-Matic, 1.6 MultiJet II 105hp and 2.0 MultiJet 135hp).

Further information on the new FIAT Doblò Cargo, as well as the other models in FIAT Professional's award-winning range of commercial vehicles, is available at www.FIATprofessional.co.uk.

USA - New generation Kia Optima, five trim levels, two turbo'd engines and priced to sell, whats not to like.

Starting MSRP of $21,840¹ makes the all-new 2016 Optima midsize sedan a compelling offer

• All-new Optima remains a strong value in the midsize segment, combining more standard features with a low starting price  
• Optima matures into an expertly crafted sedan with two turbo engine choices and five trims, including the U.S.-exclusive SXL

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced pricing today of the newest version of its hugely popular midsize sedan, the Optima.  Offered in five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL, the all-new 2016 Optima is priced aggressively with a starting MSRP of just $21,840 for the LX with a 2.4-liter engine.  

An instant hit with consumers looking for a fresh alternative to an otherwise staid segment, the Optima has been KMA’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the all-new model is poised to continue that success.

“The outgoing Optima was a game changer for Kia and a wake-up call to the midsize sedan segment.  

As KMA’s top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the first model to sell more than 150,000 units annually, its importance to the brand can’t be overstated.  Bringing the all-new 2016 Optima to market at a highly competitive price was paramount to continuing our success,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer & EVP, KMA.  

“With a starting MSRP of $21,840, the all-new Optima offers more standard features than before yet holds the line on pricing from the outgoing model, which underscores Kia’s commitment to offering tremendous value.”

The 2016 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features including, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, six-way adjustable front passenger’s seat with height adjuster, a Rear Camera Display² viewed through the standard five-inch touchscreen on LX, LX 1.6T, and EX, and an eight-inch touchscreen premium navigation³ system on SX and SXL, Bluetooth^®4 hands-free operation, driver’s knee airbag, keyless entry system and a standard push button start on LX1.6T, EX, SX and SXL.   

The Optima is offered with standard YES Essentials™⁵ fabric technology to provide anti-microbial protection from spills, anti-static protection from irritating electrical shocks, as well as stain-repelling and stain-releasing fabric characteristics.  

For those searching for a fun-to-drive sedan with optimum fuel economy, the LX 1.6T, starting at $23,990, is offered with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which is a first for the Kia brand.  The LX Convenience Package ($1,850) includes Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS)².  

Among other features, the LX Turbo Technology Package ($2,600) includes navigation, Sirius^® XM Traffic⁶ and rear LED taillights, USB chargers for both front and rear seat passengers. 

The Optima EX, starting at $24,890, is offered exclusively with the 2.4-liter engine and includes dual projection headlights with LED positioning lights, LED tail lights and power folding heated outside mirrors.  Premium standard EX features include a 12-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position integrated memory system, heated steering wheel and leather-trimmed heated front seats.  

The EX Premium Audio Package ($1,200) includes a Kia first-ever available Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™7 Premium Surround Sound Audio System⁷, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™⁷ technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier.

Adding to the EX trim, the Optima SX priced at $29,690 and Optima SXL priced at $35,790 both come standard with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine.  

Available for the first time on any Kia vehicle are Bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL) and SXL adds intuitive High Beam Assist (HBA), which recognizes oncoming traffic and automatically switches the lights to low beam until the opposing vehicle has passed.  

The SX Launch Edition package ($2,700) includes exclusive features such as unique18-inch alloy wheels, merlot leather seating and premium tricot black headliner and roof pillars, and popular features such as Panoramic Sunroof, and the Harman/ Kardon QuantumLogic^TM Premium Surround Sound Audio System.  

The SX Technology Package ($4,800) includes Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)² – which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage.  

In addition to the advanced driver assistance features, the SXL adds as standard equipment quilted Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a wireless charging system for devices such as smartphones, and silver perforated stitching on the instrument panel and front door trim.

USA - 2016 Model Year Kia Optima grows and becomes more luxurious.

Kia’s Best-Selling Nameplate is Passionately Designed and Obsessively Crafted with European Styling, a Refined Premium Interior and Significant Ride and Handling Improvements

• Optima matures into an expertly crafted sedan with two turbo engine choices and five trims, including the U.S.-exclusive SXL
• Built at Kia’s U.S. plant*, Optima features reduced NVH and a more responsive, confident ride

The all-new 2016 Optima challenges the midsize sedan segment through significant improvements in refinement and obsessive attention to detail.  

An instant hit with consumers looking for a fresh alternative to an otherwise staid segment, the Optima has been Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling vehicle for three consecutive years, and the all-new model is poised to continue that success.

Conceived under the watchful eye of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, with modern and instantly recognizable design cues, the Optima maintains its athletic identity but rides on a chassis that is longer, wider and stiffer for improved ride and handling and a more spacious cabin.  

Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the Optima is more confident than ever on the road.  

The all-new Optima’s roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that will come standard across five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL.  Like the outgoing model, the all-new Optima will be built at Kia’s plant* in West Point, Georgia.  Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.

 “The Optima changed the way people felt about the Kia brand, and KMA owes much of its growth and success to its head-turning design and sporty performance.  The all-new Optima encompasses everything the outgoing model did so well but does it better.  

It has matured in all the right ways; from the European sport-sedan design to the premium materials to its improved ride and handling,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA.  

“The all-new Optima retains the signature personality of its predecessor, but we’ve literally improved everything; providing more space, better ergonomics, more technology and greater refinement.”

Instantly Recognizable European Design

Because the previous generation Optima was such a success story for the brand, Kia’s designers had to strike a delicate balance, retaining the identity of the vehicle while, at the same time, making a confident move forward to keep the car modern and fresh.  

Sweeping contemporary surfaces and modern architecture inspired the design of the all-new Optima, revealing a sophisticated and dynamic sedan that is instantly recognizable yet has more road presence than ever.

The all-new Optima is boldly designed to be functional and sporty with exterior dimensions that are marginally longer, taller and wider.  The wheelbase has been extended to 110.4 inches (increased 0.4 inches), and the vehicle has been widened to 73.2 inches (increased 1.0 inch). 

Both changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room.  The increased dimensions also allow for more cargo capacity in the trunk. 

The aggressive front clip pulls the sheet metal taut over the wheel arches, and the swept-back headlights reach deeply into the fenders.  On the SX and SXL trims, Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille is hot stamped and composed into a sophisticated pinpoint design that bears a strong resemblance to Kia’s luxury sedan, the K900¹.  

The all-new Optima introduces Kia’s first application of Bi-Xenon HID headlights – with available Dynamic Bending Lamps and High Beam Assist – that illuminate the tarmac around corners.

The greenhouse silhouette maintains the raked A-pillar and sweeping C-pillar that lend the Optima its sport-sedan appearance.  

The rear quarter windows kick up smartly just ahead of the carved rear fenders.  As with its predecessor, the all-new Optima incorporates a raised deck lid, and the use of available LED halo-style tail lights mimics that of the Cadenza premium sedan.   

The 2016 Optima rides on alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches, with three new unique 18-inch wheel designs, depending on trim level.  

Three new exteriors colors complement the latest Optima’s sophisticated styling:  a vibrant blue inspired by a sparkling ocean underneath a sunny sky; a dynamic grey with olive undertones, and a deep red that gains depth from the use of aluminum pigments.

Exquisite Interior Craftsmanship

Optima’s interior is larger and more comfortable with an innovative and functional cabin that is well-appointed with class-up touches.  Drawing inspiration from Kia’s premium and luxury sedans, the Optima utilizes more soft-touch materials throughout the passenger compartment.  

Optima’s luxurious interior is obsessively crafted with an impressive attention to detail and features real stitching along the dash and doors, complemented by tasteful metallic accents, varying by trim level.  

The driver-oriented cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation, with a stronger horizontal plane and a wider center console that help create a greater sense of space.  By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, Kia’s already-superior ergonomics are markedly improved. 

The interior design team also paid particular attention to seat comfort.  A stiffer seat frame reduces vibration and soft foam in the headrest and upper back, and denser, more supportive foam in thigh-support areas allows occupants to nestle into seats with deeper side bolsters.  

For extra convenience, heated and ventilated front seats are available with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats.  For added convenience, the 2016 Optima offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium vehicles.  

Depending on trim level, the seats are covered in cloth, leather or luxurious Nappa leather trim and two new interior colors – a rich merlot and a dark aubergine – are available.  

Convenience and Technology

Kia’s cutting-edge connectivity system, UVO², comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on Optima:  Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score³.  Additionally, Optima is Kia’s pilot vehicle for the introduction of Android^TM4 Auto and Apple^®5 CarPlay (late availability), which allow drivers to access a suite of core functions from their smartphones.
  

After connecting their smartphone to the head unit via the vehicle’s front USB port (two additional fast-charge USB ports and rear 12V outlet are located in the center console for the front and rear seat passengers), the 8-inch touchscreen screen displays the smartphone’s most important features.  

Core functions including music (new SoundHound app), messaging, navigation and voice calls are available via the screen, the steering wheel or via voice command².  Kia is one of the first to deliver this technology, which is available for select Android phones operating with Lollipop or Apple phones operating with iOS8.X or higher. 

While the standard six-speaker audio system will satisfy all but the most demanding enthusiasts, true audiophiles will gravitate to a Kia  first-ever available Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™⁶ Premium Surround Sound Audio System⁷, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™⁸ technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier.  

Clari-Fi is a patented music restoration technology that rebuilds audio signals that are lost in the digital compression process.  

This technology breathes new life into your favorite music, restoring a high-fidelity listening experience to any compressed digital source.  

Optima’s Harman/Kardon premium audio system also comes equipped with next-generation QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound technology, which extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and detailed.  

Kia was one of the first automakers to incorporate Clari-Fi technology into their audio systems with the debut of the 2016 Sorento, and Optima is the first-ever Kia sedan to feature QuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound technology.

The all-new Optima takes convenience to the next level with a long list of available technologies across the various trim levels.  Available on every Optima is a rear-camera display⁸ while SX and SXL trims offer an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor⁸.  

Available driver-aid technology, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD)with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)⁸ – which, under appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage – makes the task of driving easier and more convenient. 

Also available for the first time on any Kia vehicle are Bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lamps (DBL) and intuitive High Beam Assist (HBA), which recognizes oncoming traffic and automatically switches the lights to low beam until the opposing vehicle has passed.

Smart Performance and Safety

The 2016 Optima features a uniquely engineered body that combines various high-tensile strength steel alloys and sits on a chassis that is stiffer and more durable thanks to the increased use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS).
  

With more than 50 percent of the body constructed from AHSS, the all-new Optima represents a 150-percent increase over the previous car.  The greater use of structural adhesive by more than 450 percent over the previous generation improves NVH and contributes to structural rigidity.
  

Engineers also added more hot stamped components to the all-new Optima, a 200 percent increase over the 2015 model.  This body structure helps provide crash protection, better driving dynamics, and is the foundation for a quieter ride.

Additional innovations were implemented to reduce NVH, lighten the vehicle and enhance aerodynamics.  The 2016 Optima is the first Kia to feature a panoramic sunroof support structure made with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which helps reduce weight and lower the vehicle’s center of gravity.  

A larger full floor under cover helps reduce wind noise and aid fuel efficiency.  

Increased dash insulation, added windshield side molding, acoustic laminated front door windows and the increased use of structural adhesive ensure a quiet ride with reduced road and wind noise.  Engine mounts, body panels and wheels all are stiffer on the all-new Optima, reducing vibrations, engine noise and road noise.  

Larger cross-member bushings are utilized to help isolate road and engine noise, as well as reducing engine vibration through the floor and steering wheel.

Improving ride and handling was a top priority for engineers.  Overall, the chassis is lighter and stiffer, resulting in improved steering response, high-speed stability and handling.  

Moving the suspension points outward optimizes suspension geometry for a smoother ride over uneven pavement.  

Where the previous Optima made due with dual bushing mounts, increased lateral stiffness was achieved with a four-bushing mount system for both sub-frames.  The increased stiffness pays dividends in improved steering response and tractability through corners. 

More robust wheel bearings up front and the addition of larger dual lower control arms at the rear also help refine the all-new Optima’s ride and handling characteristics.  Available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) improves steering response with a higher gear ratio.

The all-new Optima is available with three engine choices, striking a performance balance between sportiness and fuel efficiency.  

Two powerplants carry over from the previous generation, the 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, available on the LX and EX models, and the 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX models.  

While the engines have yet to receive EPA certification, the 2.4-liter produces 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.  The 2.0-liter turbo generates 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,350 rpm.  

Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic^® shifting while the SX and SXL trims add paddle shifters.  Both engines have been retuned for fuel economy⁹ and better performance and drivability with maximum torque now available at a lower RPM. 

All new for the 2016 model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.  The 1.6-liter will be offered on the LX trim.  Pushing out 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine mates to a seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand.  

The transmission optimizes the engine’s responsiveness for a sporty feel that doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy.  Also new for the Optima, Michelin^®10tires are available on select trims.  All three engines channel energy through the front wheels.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

¹ 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

² Warning: Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe personal injury and death. Always drive safely and use caution.

³ The Driving Score is for informational purposes only and is based on factors such as the smoothness, consistency, and length of time that the driver applies the accelerator and brake pedals during a trip segment.

⁴ Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.

⁵ Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.  

⁶ Clari-Fi™ and QuantumLogicTM are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc.

⁷ Registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

⁸ These features are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

⁹ Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.

¹⁰ Michelin^® is a registered trademark of Michelin.

^** 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

^*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.