The
redesigned 2016 Kia Optima
has just gone on sale, rocking the expressive styling we’ve admired since its debut at the New York auto show earlier this year. Even in
this rational, mainstream family-sedan segment, styling still sells cars, and
the wonders design chief Peter Schreyer has been working at Kia for nearly a
decade have buyers looking at the Korean brand with less skeptical eyes.
The 2016 Kia Optima looks similar to its
predecessor. Some of the biggest changes occur in the headlight design. On
upper trim levels, the tiger-nose grille features a hot-stamped pinpoint
pattern that looks like the nose on the luxury K900. The numbers on the
Optima's exterior haven't changed much, though. It's just 1 inch wider and has
a 0.4-inch longer wheelbase than before.
A longer, wider, stiffer, and lighter chassis
accompanies the engine changes. This update should not only improve steering
but also increase high-speed stability. Kia has moved the suspension location
points of the front and rear sub frames in a way that allows for a smoother
ride over rough surfaces. Other changes, including more robust wheel bearings
up front and larger dual lower arms at the rear, also improve ride quality.
No comments:
Post a Comment