Kia Optima gets a facelift and new tech for 2014

The Kia Optima has had a bit of a facelift for 2014. The new model, shown off at the New York Motor Show, isn’t a massive departure from the previous car, but it is a real looker that should have badge snobs reconsidering any latent reluctance to take the plunge.

The latest Kia Optimia comes equipped with a new ‘tiger nose’ grille, a new rear diffuser and boot lid, LED daytime running lights and foglights and newly designed LED lamps at the rear. Inside, the car gets new, more comfortable seats and plenty of tech including a 4.3-inch digital TFT instrument cluster and an optional eight-inch navigation and telematics display.

The latter features Kia’s new UVO eServices system, which provides voice recognition and a Google Maps-eabled satellite navigation. It’s all linked up to an 8-speaker Infiniti stereo system with HD Radio and satellite radio (available to US customers only).

Other tech highlights include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert to stop you reversing out of a parking space into oncoming traffic and rear parking sensors.

The 2014 Kia Optimia will be powered by a choice of two Theta II engines: a 2.4-litre GDi four-cylinder unit or a 2.0-litre GDi turbo. A hybrid model is also available.