2014 Kia Optima Facelift Spied Testing

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Kia’s Optima is due for a mid-cycle refresh soon, and these recent spy pics give the greatest hint to-date of what’s in store for the mid-sized model.

Spied testing recently in its native Korea, these photos show subtle revisions to the current design, which differs little between the domestic K5-badged model and the local Optima.

Despite wearing heavy camouflage front and rear, new head and tail-light designs are evident. Meanwhile a new front fascia also appears likely.

Up the front, the Optima’s daytime running lights appear to have been moved up to the headlamp cluster from the front fascia, while the main elements appear to take on a more circular look.

Less obvious is the front fascia design, but with the relocation of the daytime running lights it’s unlikely that this area will go un-tweaked.

In the rear, the new tail-lights appear similar in style to the 2013 Sorento SUV, with the red elements now tracing the perimeter of the lamp, encircling clear-looking reverse and indicator elements.

The current model K5 has been available on the Korean market since 2010, before launching locally in January 2011 as the Optima.

Compared with the previous Optima, Its design has drawn praise for its Peter Schreyer-led aesthetic details - particularly its integration of body shut lines into its overall design language.

Given Kia’s recent record of top-notch designs, we’d expect the refreshed Optima to remain just as easy on the eye.

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, Kia Australia’s Kevin Hepworth confirmed a late 2013 local debut for the new model, but was unable to offer any specific details.

Before this, an international unveiling is due mid-year, which could come as soon as the New York Auto Show in late March.

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