The 2015 Kia Optima saloon has been revealed in European specification ahead of its first public outing at the Frankfurt motor show next month. The all-new Optima was first seen in US specification at the New York motor show in April.
This fourth generation of the saloon is marginally longer, taller and wider than the previous version. It is 10mm wider, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 25mm.
Kia says this allows for increased passenger space and luggage room in the Optima, with rear passengers receiving a 25mm increase in legroom, as well as more shoulder room. Overall storage space has also increased, from 505 litres in the old Optima to 510 litres.
The new Optima is also stiffer than the outgoing version, with more than 50% of the body made from a high-strength steel. Other advances on the Optima include a higher ratio of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic, which aims to reduce weight to lower the levels of noise and vibration. The model will be available with 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels.
While the US variant of the Optima will be built in Georgia in America, the car heading to the UK will be built in Korea.
The sole engine option in the UK is a revised version of the current car's 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine, with power increased to 139bhp and torque pushed to 251lb ft between 1750-2500rpm. CO2 emissions from the engine have been reduced to 110g/km.
The engine is coupled to Kia's new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is already offered in the facelifted Cee'd, although a six-speed manual transmission is also offered.
A plug-in hybrid variant will follow in 2017, soon after a high-performance version, liked to be badged as 'Optima GT', arrives towards the end of next year. An estate version of the Optima, which was previewed by the Sportspace concept in Geneva this year, is planned for mid-2016.
The options list for the new Optima includes an electronically controlled suspension system, whch allows drivers to select between "Normal' and 'Sport' modes.
UK trim levels will be announced closer to the Optima's UK on-sale date. It is set to follow the same trim level setup as the outgoing model, which would mean a 1, 2 and 3 specification.
Inside, buyers can choose from a 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest version of Kia's AVN software. Options include a wireless charger for mobile phones, as well as adaptive cruise ontrol, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and blind spot detection systems.
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