The Little Engine That Can: 2016 Optima’s New 1.6-L Powertrain Offers Economy for Gas Tank, Wallet

With the full release of the 2016 Optima, KIA dealers near St. Louis such as Jim Butler KIA have the new Optima in-stock. Two of the engines carried over from the previous 2015 Optima: the base 2.4-liter and the top-of-the-line 2.0-L turbocharged four-cylinder. However, KIA added a third engine option for the new 2016 models. We’d like to introduce you to the 1.6-liter turbo engine: the little engine that could — and can.

What can this new engine do for your 2016 Optima? Other than the obvious “power the vehicle,” this 1.6-L turbo engine actually outputs more torque than the base 2.4-liter (195 lb.-ft. versus 178). Found on the LX 1.6T trim, this engine is nearly 200 pounds lighter than the engine found in the Ford Fusion 1.5-L EcoBoost. Fuel economy is improved because of this.

EPA ratings for the 2016 KIA Optima LX 1.6T are at the top of its class. The agency ranks the engine at 28 mpg city and up to 39 mpg on the highway, which makes the new Optimas at Jim Butler KIA a great choice for daily commuters in St. Louis. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic sets it apart from the onslaught of CVTs in its segment.

The cabin is more driver-oriented than ever. The smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel is always a nice touch, and options such as navigation, blind-spot warning system and cross-traffic alert for the rear make the Optima T1.6 quite competitive to other efficient-engine models.

If you’re in the market for a cost-effective yet still powerful sedan in St. Louis, we’ve got your next vehicle from The KIA Butler! We invite you to come check out our selection on new 2016 KIA Optimas near St. Louis at our Chesterfield Valley KIA dealer. To learn more, give us a call at 636-256-9600 or contact us online 24/7!

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