KUWAIT: The evolution of KIA’s best-selling model continued on Wednesday, Jan 20 with the unveiling of the All-New 2016 Optima at a breathtaking event at Marina Mall’s main dome area in the presence of Ahmad Al-Mutawa, Chairman & CEO of Abdulaziz Al-Ali Al-Mutawa Group of Companies, Kenny Kim, Deputy GM at KIA HQ for the ME & Africa, a delegation from the embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait, business partners & members of the media.
Organized under the slogan “Fascinating Perfection” by National Agencies Group (NAG), a subsidiary of Abdulaziz Al-Ali Al-Mutawa Group of Companies and authorized distributor of KIA Motors in Kuwait, the launch event highlighted KIA’s impressive local and international achievements before revealing the award-winning 2016 Optima sedan to an excited audience.
Named 2016 International Car of the Year by Road & Travel Magazine, the All-New Optima features a stunning modern design, an impressive array of high-tech features, excellent performance and increased spaciousness to provide occupants with an elegant yet sporty riding experience. Moreover, the Optima underscores KIA’s status as a global and local automotive leader.
“KIA now ranks 3rd in Kuwait despite economic challenges which are exerting heavy pressure on the automotive market” explained Omar Gabr, Brand Manager at KIA Motors Kuwait. “This continued success can be attributed to KIA’s award-winning innovation as seen in the All-New 2016 Optima in addition to NAG’s efforts & continuously upgraded services which reflect KIA’s status in Kuwait Market.”
Also speaking on the Optima’s success story was Mohannad Al-Mutawa, General Sales Manager of KIA Motors Kuwait, who gave a short presentation on the model’s evolution since its inception in the year 2000, highlighting the many advancements of the All-New model along with explaining the importance of the midsize sedan segment to the Kuwaiti automotive market.
Instantly recognizable European design
Building on the award-winning design of the previous-generation Optima, KIA designers in Germany and the United States retained the identity of the vehicle while making a confident move forward to keep the car modern and fresh. The design was inspired by sweeping contemporary surfaces and modern architecture, leading to a sophisticated and dynamic sedan that is instantly recognizable.
The All-New Optima’s exterior is also wider, longer and sits lower than its predecessor, ensuring better aerodynamics which translates into more torque for less horsepower.
Exquisite interior craftsmanship
The Optima’s elegant and more comfortable interior reflects the model’s elevated status. The driver-oriented cabin has been obsessively crafted with an impressive attention to detail and features real stitching along the dashboard and doors along with tasteful metallic accents. At the same time, the interior has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation. Improvements have also been made to enhance seat comfort where occupants will enjoy reduced vibrations, higher-quality seat materials and ventilated front seats.
For added convenience, the 2016 Optima offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature normally found only in premium vehicles.
Convenience, technology, smart performance and safety
Cutting-edge technology has become a cornerstone of the Optima experience, and the new generation promises to impress with incredible features. The All-New Optima comes with a smartphone wireless charger, standard six-speaker audio system and the option to upgrade to a KIA-first available Harman/KardonQuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound Audio System, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi(tm) technology and an upgraded 630-watt digital amplifier. KIA was one of the first automakers to incorporate Clari-Fi technology into its audio systems with the debut of the 2016 Sorento, and Optima is the first-ever KIA sedan to feature QuantumLogic Premium Surround Sound technology.
Also available on every Optima is a rear-camera display with the option to upgrade to a 360-degree Surround-View Monitor. 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) – 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 safer. 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.
The 2016 Optima features a uniquely engineered body that uses Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and a special type of adhesive to improve structural rigidity and chassis durability while ensuring a quieter ride.
The vehicle is available in Kuwait in 2 engine sizes:
* 2.0L MPI, 4-Cylinder, 157 HP
* 2.4L MPI, 4-Cylinder, 178 HP
