2024 Kia K5/Optima Debuts In South Korea

Almost 4 years after the arrival of the 5th generation Kia K5 (also known as Optima), the South Korean automaker has now officially launched the refreshed model of K5 in its home market.

The 2024 Kia K5 is available for pre-orders, with prices ranging from 27.84 million to 39.54 million won (RM98,287 to RM139,743). The headlamps have been adjusted to look smaller than before, and the daytime running light signature has been changed to have a much more dynamic design.

A redesigned rear bumper with a diffuser-like element and trapezoidal-shaped exhaust trim, new alloy wheels, more angular 3D-effect headlamps with trailing light bars across the boot, and a new lower apron with upward fangs are some other noteworthy changes.

Inside, the brand’s next-generation entertainment system, called the connected car Navigation Cockpit, is housed on a touchscreen display on the dashboard, which is one of two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster. This interior evolution continues. Over-the-air updates, integrated video streaming services, the Kia Digital Key 2, an optional 12-speaker Krell sound system, and a wireless charging pad are among the supporting technologies.

The audio and climate controls are now integrated into a single panel with capacitive touch buttons and knobs, similar to the latest Sorento and the EV6. In order to further clear up the cabin, just like the aforementioned siblings, the refreshed K5 now also gets a rotary gear selector instead of a traditional lever.

The K5 facelift also offers three new interior colors – Sand, Martian, and Black – to join the two new exterior colors of Wolf Gray and Moonscape Matte Grey. There is also a ‘Black Fit’ package that adds 18- or 19-inch wheels, a suede headliner, mirror caps, a rear diffuser, and tailpipes that are all finished in black.

But the update is just about visual enhancements, as the new K5 is blessed with a revised suspension setup for improved ride comfort in combination with improved sound insulation. As for engines, the Smartstream family includes a 2.0L naturally-aspirated MPi petrol unit that churns out 158 hp of power and 196 Nm of torque. There is also a 1.6L turbocharged T-GDi petrol engine with 178 hp and 265 Nm as well as a 2.0L naturally aspirated LPi engine running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rated at 144 hp and 191 Nm. Lastly, there is a hybrid option that uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 192. All units are paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the turbocharged powertrain gets an 8-speed auto transmission.