The upgraded Kia Optima launched at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show is now on sale in Ireland.

Created under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the upgraded Optima features new headlights, fog lamps, rear lights, bumpers, wheels and a new sharper-edged trunk lid

At the front, the LED daytime running lights are moved from the bumper into the headlight – consistent with other Kia models – and the fog lamps are set into a body-colour panel rather than the transverse black panel of the original design.

In Ireland the 2014 Optima features  a sports pack which comes with a black-mesh front grille, chrome trim around the lower air-intake, unique 18-inch, five double-spoke alloy wheels and a matt-black diffuser beneath the rear bumper.

The 2014  Optima’s smooth contours enhance its aerodynamic efficiency and result in a drag figure of just Cd 0.29, minimising wind noise, while boosting performance and fuel economy.

Just one high specification model trim –Optima Platinum – is available in Ireland at €30,950 . The 1.7D (134hp ) engine is retained for 2014 .