The Korean automaker explained that it merely wanted to uphold the reputation of the brand by keeping it distanced from taxi services.
This move is all the more surprising if you consider that Korean taxi companies were responsible for nearly 40% of Optima sales. Kia has promised to rectify the situation by launching a special ‘Optima Taxi’ version later on, based on the previous-gen spec. It remains to be seen how well that one will fare in terms of sales.
During the update, the sedan/saloon received a sportier overall styling and a more aerodynamically shaped body.