2014 Kia Optima | new car sales price

Kia has rolled out the revised version of its flagship Optima, with the good-looking Peter Schreyer designed sedan getting further cosmetic tweaks, plus extra equipment -- including high-end safety technology for the range-topping Platinum spec -- with small prices rises.

The cosmetic refresh includes restyled grille and front bumpers, new headlight clusters -- with xenon lights, LED daytime running lights and quad LED foglights, according to model -- with the tail getting a new boot lid with integrated spoiler and a redesigned diffuser.

Appearing for the first time on the Platinum as standard will be blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert systems -- making it easier for the driver to avoid unexpected surrounding traffic -- plus modern quad-type LED front foglights. The new features join with hill holder and the array of twin front, side and head airbags to make the five-star ANCAP rated car even safer.

Both the Platinum and the mid-spec SLi also sport redesigned LED tail-lights, while front parking sensors now join the standard rear ones for the entire range, starting with the base model Si. Reshaped bumpers and rear diffuser, plus new alloy wheel designs -- 17-inch for the Si and 18-inch for SLi and Platinum -- complete the exterior updates.

The interiors have been given a makeover, with a fresher layout for the centre stack and new accents and materials, with the SLi getting the biggest upgrades and moving closer to the Premium level with leather upholstery and the top-spec's Infinity audio system.

Under the bonnets, the GDI 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carries on, delivering 148kW of power at 6300rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4250rpm, getting that to the front wheels via the six-speed sports automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel -- which itself bristles with remote controls for audio, phone and information. Fuel economy remains at 7.9l/100km for the combined cycle.

Kia Australia chief operating officer Tony Barlow said the revision would offer more sophistication while retaining a high-value proposition. “With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication without any compromise on safety or core values,” Barlow said. “The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia’s design evolution and epitomizes the brand’s goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles. Along with Kia Australia’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year capped price servicing, roadside assist and Family Like Service commitment, the styling story on Optima paints a compelling picture.”

Despite the extra features -- plus currency exchange rates not favouring the Aussie dollar -- price rises on the Optima have been restrained, with the base Si asking just $300 more, the Sli $1000 and the Platinum $1200.

2014 Kia Optima prices

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott