2019 Kia Optima pricing and features

The Kia Optima has just become cheaper, with the Korean carmaker doing a bit of give and take with equipment levels as part of a mild, 2019 model-year update to the Korean brand’s mainstay medium car.

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Retail pricing for the entry-level Si has reduced by $1100 to $33,390, while the athletically styled Optima GT has reduced by $1200 to $43,290.

The Si gains brighter dual-projection headlamps and a sharper 7.0-inch infotainment screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have also been added, at the expense of Kia’s in-built satellite navigation system in some models, with drivers instead having to rely on directions piped to the infotainment screen via a smartphone’s mapping app.

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The GT also gains a new 8.0-inch screen, but retains satellite navigation with 10 years of MapCare and SUNA traffic information. However, it loses the panoramic sunroof, high-beam assist, tyre pressure monitoring and powered settings for the front passenger seat, and front-seat cooling (front-seat heating remains).

On the plus side, both variants gain driver attention alert, and a more advanced lane keeping assist system.

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The Optima Si and GT have also received a light facelift, with tweaks to the grille, front fascia and rear panels, complemented by re-styled alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, Kia Australia’s engineers have further improved ride and handling for local conditions, focusing on its ride refinement, and steering feel.

Kia Australia chief operating officer Damian Meredith said the pricing, aesthetic and equipment changes were critical to keep the Optima fresh and relevant in a market that includes the big-selling Camry and newly refreshed Mazda 6.

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“Optima has been a key Kia model, for a number of reasons, for more than half a decade and keeping it fresh and market-relevant is a constant review process,” Meredith said.

The updated Kia Optima is now available in showrooms.