It's only been a year or so since Kia gave the Optima, which is called Lotze in South Korea and Magentis in Europe, a mid-life makeover, but Hyundai's subsidiary has just announced the domestic market launch of a subtly revised 2010 model year. The new looks aren't so obvious as the exterior styling changes are limited to a new mesh grille, dark headlamps, new LED tail lights, black treatment for the lower part of the rear bumper and newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, Kia makes word of new trim and color options as well as additional features. There are no mechanical upgrades as the South Korean market Lotze will continue to be offered with the same four-cylinder engine lineup as before that includes a 2.0-liter unit with 163-horsepower and a 2.4-liter with 179-horsepower.
The refreshed Lotze is available for order in its home market, but it is unclear if or when the updated version of the Optima and Magentis models will make their way to North America and Europe respectively.
