What's all this about?
The European specification Kia Optima saloon will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 15th September. It is stronger, safer, greener and better equipped than the outgoing model; expect to see it on sale by the end of 2015.
What else do we know?
The new Optima is slightly larger at 4,855mm long and 1,860mm wide; up 10- and 25mm respectively. The styling hasn't changed much, continuing the steeply raked front and rear windscreens and flowing lines of previous generations. At the front there are wrap around lights and Kia's 'tiger nose' grille. LED tail lamps are part of a new rear-end look, along with a diffuser and oval exhaust outlet. Aerodynamic drag is reduced with the Cd figure dropping from 0.30 to 0.29.
Nine paint colours will be offered along with a choice of alloy wheels ranging from 16- to 19-inches in diameter.
How about the interior?
There is more space inside, with more head-, shoulder- and leg room available. For those in front there is a new dashboard with a split-level arrangement divided into upper 'display' and lower 'control' zones. A touch screen manages the infotainment system and its introduction has allowed the number of buttons to be reduced. To minimise vibration the front seats are stiffer and more soundproofing has been fitted. Back seat passengers get separate heater controls and pull-up sun shades in the rear door trims.
The design of the dashboard lends itself to two-tone interior colour schemes; black with stone beige or dark grey with light grey are offered in addition to all black trim. Kia has also increased the proportion of soft-touch materials plus metallic accents to give the interior a high-quality feel.
Any interesting tech?
A range of driver aids are available including Lane Keeping Assist, Advance Smart Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Kia says that the AEB is the first system in the Optima's class to use short-range and longer range radar, which can detect objects and pedestrians further away and at higher speeds.
Connected services, provided by TomTom, will allow drivers to access traffic information, speed camera alerts, local search and weather forecasts. Optima buyers will get a seven-year subscription to the service included in the car's purchase price.
What about future developments?
The engine line-up is carried over with more power for the 1.7-litre diesel; a plug-in hybrid drivetrain is due to debut in 2016. Kia promises that this Optima will spawn the company's first sports saloon. An estate body, based on the Sportspace concept, is also in the pipeline.
John Lambert - 26 Aug 2015