Kia Refreshes Optima and Adds Bi-Fuel Picanto in Frankfurt

KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
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is introducing the PicantoKia Picanto Gen.2Republic of Korea, 2011 > present49 versions
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Bi-Fuel LPG and refreshed OptimaKia Optima Gen.3Republic of Korea, 2011 > present39 versions
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for Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Picanto

The Picanto Bi-Fuel has 66hp (67ps) and 66lb-ft (90Nm) of torque and is available as a three-door or five-door model. In LPG mode, it uses 5.8l/100km and emits 100g/km of CO2. When equipped with optional stop/start consumption falls to 5.6l/100km and 97g/km of CO2.

Drivers can switch between the two fuels at the touch of a button on the dashboard. It comes with a 35-liter petrol tank and a 27-liter LPG tank under the trunk that replaces the spare tire.

“The Picanto LPG is designed to satisfy a clear demand for such a bi-fuel engine, demonstrating Kia’s determination to offer consumers across Europe the widest choice of products,” said Benny Oeyen, Kia Europe head of product planning and marketing.

It will be on sale in late 2013 in Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Optima

The Optima is being refreshed in Europe for 2014 with minor interior and exterior changes, new options and lower interior noise levels.

The car gets new headlights with LED running lights, reshaped fog lights, new taillights and reshaped bumpers. The trunk lid has been changed with a sharper edge, and the taillights include LEDS and raised reflectors. It rides on new 17in and 18in wheel designs.

There is also a new Sport Pack that adds a black, mesh front grill, chrome trim around the lower portion of the front bumper, 18in, five-spoke wheels and a matte black rear diffuser.

The interior is now available in either black monotone or two-tone beige. The instrument panel gets a 4.3in LCD screen, from a 3.5in screen in the previous model, and a new flat-bottom steering wheel. The seats have thicker side bolsters and are now available with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Changes to the rear wheel arches and rear suspension lower interior noise by 3.3 decibels. The interior carpets are also thicker.

It will be on sale in early 2014.