Kia is finishing the next generation Optima development (also called K5), and the car will debut during 2015 (not confirmed if it will be in Detroit in January, or in New York in April).
This project is a very difficult task for Kia engineers and Peter Schreyer’s design team, how to improve one of the most beautiful and succesful Kia models ever designed, and also lead K-series sales in South Korea.
The new Kia Optima will feature more sharp design, a better interior quality and an engine choice between petrol, diesel (in Europe), hybrid and for the first time, a plug-in hybrid model (this car will be available during 2016).
The design sticks closely to the current MY2015 Optima, including a wide “tiger nose” grille connected with the headlights from side to side and a wider taillights at the rear end.
The petrol model will have more aggressive and sporty air intakes in the front bumper, while the hybrid models get a closed front grille that opens automatically when cooling is required. New wheels and colour palette finished exterior updates.
The interior quality will get another step forward, like in the new generation Kia Sorento, the Optima will have new 8″ inch infotainment system larger getting all the attention from the new leather-wrapped dash.
Comments
10 commentsLeather wrapped dash? Can someone explain why Schryer chose to make the interior of the Sonata a pile of plastic then? Seems a little biased to one brand no?
Well I think the leather wrapped dash is an identity of the Optima under Schreyer's development. About the Sonata, I think that Schreyer fail with the Sonata interior, trying to do a mini-genesis interior look, but without the same quality.
Please don't cut the horsepower or torque. Increase it!!! Cut in power will be shunned like the 2015 Sonata here in America.
I think that the new Optima will have the same powertrain, and unfortunately the same power of the All-New Sonata. This lower power is to benefite the fuel economy due to more weight "thanks" to the use of high-strength sheet metal (more safety for passengers).
The 1.6T Eco Sonata with the DCT, tho, has been getting rave reviews.
what are you talking about. Kia has a more consistent a defined brand look compared to any other brand. The tiger nose is an evolution and you should expect it to look like the k900 and cee'd. look at all kia cars released in the past 2-3 years. and current optima has an old generic Japanese look???? You realize that the optima is the benchmark for all other manufacturers. we look nothing like the Japanese product. the Japanese are complacent and boring while trying to appeal to every market Optima is strong and bold.....just look at the awards they are all for exterior appeal (Red dot design, IF product design, design award automotive exterior) get your facts straight before you troll there "Jimbo"
I'm agree with you, but unfortunately I'm pretty sure that this Optima will have a more conservative look than the precedent. We only can wait to the final result
If anything, the Optima is a German design. As it should be, since it was designed by Peter Shreyer. I don't see any Japanese influence in here.
Drivability BS.
Yes they're slower.