Kia Optima 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has lowered pricing for its facelifted Optima by as much as $1200, though at the expense of a number of standard features.

The updated mid-sizer now checks in at $33,390 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Si grade, which represents a $1100 price reduction, but no longer features satellite navigation, and the HID headlights have been swapped out for a more conventional dual projection set-up.

It's a similar story on the range-topping GT, which is $1200 less expensive at $43,290, but loses power-adjustment on the front passenger seat and ventilation on both pews, while the panormaic sunroof has also been dropped, as well as 'High Beam Assist' and tyre pressure monitoring.

However, unlike the Si, the GT retains its satellite navigation capability through a new multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The media system is updated in both grades, though the Si makes do with a smaller 7.0-inch display.

A smidge more safety has also been injected into the Optima mid-sizer, now sporting 'Driver Attention Alert' and the lane-departure warning system has been upgraded to a lane-keeping assist system.

2018 Kia Optima.

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2018 Kia Optima.

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2018 Kia Optima.

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On the outside, the facelift brings tweaked styling to the grille and front fascia, the upper and lower rear panels, and re-styled wheels also feature.

Kia was only able to sell 237 Optimas in the first five months of this year, which is 35 per cent less than it moved in the same period in 2017.

Comparatively, the South Korean marque managed to move 896 examples of its Stinger sedan and 7747 of its Cerato in the same five month period in 2018.

KMAu boss Damien Meredith suggested keeping product up-to-date is key to staying relevant in the current climate.

“With the pace at which the new car market is changing – not just new product but variations in consumer demand – it is critical to keep product fresh and relevant,” he said.

“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.”

As before, the new Optima comes with a seven-year warranty with capped-price servicing and roadside assist.

Kia Optima 2018 list pricing

Kia Optima Si – automatic – $33,390
Kia Optima GT – automatic – $43,290

Will the Kia Optima mid-sizer be able to stay relevant alongside the all-new Stinger? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.