When it first arrived in South Africa, the Kia Optima was originally launched with a Theta II 2.4-litre MPi CVVT petrol engine. For 2013, the engine on the Optima has finally been upgraded to an improved, naturally aspirated Theta II 2.4-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) Dual-CVVT (Continous Variable Valve Timing) engine.
Power figures on the Optima increase by 16 kW from 132 kW to 148 kW, while torque increases by 19 Nm from 231 Nm to 250 Nm. Performance from the 2.4-litre, six-speed automatic is a claimed 0 – 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
The two main differences on the new model include GDi technology, where petrol is injected directly into the cylinders as well as the upgrade from CVVT to Dual CVVT, both resulting in a significant increase of power, torque and response.
The new GDI technology on the Optima positions the fuel injector in the most optimal location – directly inside the combustion chamber to offer unparalleled precision. With this shorter and more direct path, far greater control is attained over the combustion process: A high pressure fuel pump injects the fuel in precise amounts and intervals.
Further performance gains come from incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust sides for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, CVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power and lower emissions.
The Kia Optima is available in one derivative only, priced at R336 995, with the specification level and trim unchanged from the previous model. If you just bought a Kia Optima with MPi, eish, we’re sorry, try returning it maybe?