Revealed. All-new Optima at the New York Auto Show

Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot · 2 April, 2015

The all-new Optima, Kia’s signature midsize sedan, has finally made its much anticipated debut at the New York International Auto Show 2015. Five years after the introduction of the previous generation Optima, Kia unveiled a completely redesigned and reengineered model with an upgraded look and performance in front of global auto media. As the top-selling Kia vehicle for three consecutive years in the U.S., the Optima has evolved while retaining the sporty identity of its predecessor.

Michael Sprague, executive vice president, sales and marketing of Kia Motors America, sums up the new generation model in one sentence, “The all-new Optima retains the signature personality of its predecessor, but we’ve literally improved everything, providing more space, better ride and handling, more technology and greater refinement.” Because the previous generation Optima was such a popular model, Kia’s designers focused on striking a fine balance between retaining the identity of the vehicle while making significant progress in keeping the car modern and fresh.

Michael Sprague with the all-new Optima at the New York International Auto Show

The marginal enlargement of the body and wheelbase of the car contributes to a more spacious cargo and comfortable cabin. From the outside, the aggressive front clip pulls the sheet metal taut over the wheel arches, and the swept-back headlights reach deep into the fenders. Inside, the car has found inspiration from Kia’s luxury sedans, utilizing more soft-touch materials throughout the passenger compartment with extreme attention to detail. Seat comfort was one of the major concerns for the design team, and the all-new Optima is now equipped with a new stiffer seat frame that reduces vibration and features a height-adjustable function.

All-new Optima SXL interior

In the U.S., the all-new Optima will be available with three engine choices, including the two powerplants carried over from the previous generation, the 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder (LX and EX models) and the 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine (SXL and SX Turbo models). The new engine fitting for the all-new midsize sedan is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, which will be offered on the LX trim. Pushing out an estimated 178 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,500 rpm, the new engine works well with its seven-speed DCT, a first for the Kia brand. All product information here pertains to the US market so please stay tuned or inquire with your local Kia dealer for information for your country.

The media’s reaction at the press conference where the all-new model was revealed for the first time was telling. Autoblog, one of the major automobile publications in the US, reported that the Optima “showed the world just how good a Korean car could look” and “the handsome design of the third-generation car has translated wonderfully to its fourth generation.”

Come check out Kia at the New York International Auto Show 2015 during public days from April 3 to 12.