Kia has staged the world premiere of the Euro-spec 2016 Optima mid-size sedan, ahead of next month’s public debut at IAA in Frankfurt. It looks slightly different than the US-spec Optima and the KDM-spec K5, but it does share the same corporate tiger nose grille, sleek headlights and a choice of 16- to 18-inch alloy wheels while at the back there are LED taillights. Compared to the model it replaces, the new Optima is longer and wider while the wheelbase has been extended which means the cabin is now more accommodating and provides extra head, shoulder and knee room while the size of the trunk has also increased.
Engine choices will be limited to a revised 1.7-liter CRDi producing 141 PS and 340 Nm of torque along with a 2.0-liter CVVL rated at 163 PS and 196 Nm. Kia is offering a choice of three gearboxes (depending on engine): 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch. Later during the car’s life cycle, the mid-size sedan will spawn a high performance version as well as a more economical plug-in hybrid.
The Euro-spec 2016 Optima will be available with an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a wireless smartphone charger while the infotainment system’s touchscreen can be had with either a 7- or an 8-inch display. Also noticeable is a simplified center stack, glossy black trim, more soft touch plastics and metallic accents while extra sound proofing material has been added to enable a quieter cabin.
Source: Kia
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