The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year).
This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps.
In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to approximately 4,800 mm (190 in) long.
There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised.
Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack.
In certain markets, the option of satellite navigation is offered.

The new Theta II 2.4-liter I4 employs dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to increase power to 131 kW (176 hp), while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor.
Torque is rated at 229 N⋅m (169 lbf⋅ft).
There is a 2.0L I4 for other markets with either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.
Power is rated at 164 hp (122 kW) at 6200 RPM and 197 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) of torque.
Acceleration for the 2.0L is 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9.2 seconds for the 5 speed manual and 10.1 seconds for the 4 speed automatic.
Top speed rated up to 208 km/h (129 mph) outside of the US.
The 2.7-liter V6 offers few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to 144 kW (193 hp), and torque to 249 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft).
Acceleration for the 5-speed automatic takes it from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8.9sec with a top speed up to 220 km/h (137 mph).
A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, and a five-speed automatic is included with mid- and high-end levels (or as an option in the base model).

2010 models see the addition of a Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and paddle shifters on SX models.

In Australia, the Magentis was introduced in August 2006, and replaced the Optima.
Initially available with a choice of 2.4 L 4-cylinder or 2.7 L V6 engines, the Magentis' sales never caught on, with sales peaking at only 741 units in 2007.
In 2008, the V6 engine was dropped, as was the EX-L model, leaving only the entry-level 2.4 L EX on sale until its discontinuation in 2009.
While the facelifted 2010 model was never officially launched, a very small number were imported for "evaluation" purposes, and eventually sold to the public as demos.
The Optima was revised and updated in 2008, debuting at the New York International Auto Show (as a 2009 model year). This update features new front-end styling and tail lamps. In addition to the revised exterior, length is also slightly increased by roughly 70 millimetres (2.8 in) to approximately 4,800 mm (190 in) long. There is also a new engine and the interior has also been revised. Main changes in the interior are a redesigned instrument cluster and a Sirius Satellite Radio/AM/FM/MP3/CD with an auxiliary jack. In certain markets, the option of satellite navigation is offered.
The new Theta II 2.4-liter I4 employs dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to increase power to 131 kW (176 hp), while returning improved fuel consumption over its predecessor. Torque is rated at 229 N⋅m (169 lbf⋅ft). There is a 2.0L I4 for other markets with either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at 164 hp (122 kW) at 6200 RPM and 197 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) of torque. Acceleration for the 2.0L is 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9.2 seconds for the 5 speed manual and 10.1 seconds for the 4 speed automatic. Top speed rated up to 208 km/h (129 mph) outside of the US. The 2.7-liter V6 offers few changes to the previous model, though power is increased to 144 kW (193 hp), and torque to 249 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft). Acceleration for the 5-speed automatic takes it from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8.9sec with a top speed up to 220 km/h (137 mph). A five-speed manual transmission is standard in the base model, and a five-speed automatic is included with mid- and high-end levels (or as an option in the base model).
2010 models see the addition of a Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and paddle shifters on SX models.
In Australia, the Magentis was introduced in August 2006, and replaced the Optima. Initially available with a choice of 2.4 L 4-cylinder or 2.7 L V6 engines, the Magentis' sales never caught on, with sales peaking at only 741 units in 2007. In 2008, the V6 engine was dropped, as was the EX-L model, leaving only the entry-level 2.4 L EX on sale until its discontinuation in 2009. While the facelifted 2010 model was never officially launched, a very small number were imported for "evaluation" purposes, and eventually sold to the public as demos.
Kia Optima