- Also known as the Kia K5 in South Korea
- It is the corporate cousin of the Hyundai Sonata
- New Optima will go on sale in South Korea in December 2019
Kia Motors has released the exterior images of the all-new Optima sedan, which is also known as the Kia K5 in South Korean. The fifth-generation Kia Optima showcases Kia’s bold new design direction fascia and fastback-like profile. The Optima is Kia’s version of the Hyundai Sonata, which is already on sale in international markets.
The new Kia Optima features what Kia calls ‘Tiger Nose Evolution’ grille. It is wider, three-dimensional and integrates seamlessly with the LED headlights. Then, there’s the ‘heartbeat’ shaped LED DRLs that add character to the fascia. In profile, the fastback-like styling makes it racy, and adding to the design is the chrome window garnish that runs across the C-pillar and boot-lid, on to the other side. The rear features wraparound LED taillights (with the ‘heartbeat’ motif) that cover the trunk, twin exhaust tips and faux skid plate.
The all-new Kia Optima is longer and wider than the model it replaces. It measures 4,905mm in length, 1,860mm in width and 1,445mm in height. The car gets an extended wheelbase of 2,850mm, which is up by 20mm compared to its predecessor.
Kia is yet to release details about the interiors of the new Optima. The company hasn’t revealed the Optima’s engine line-up either. That said, we expect Kia to release more information closer to the sedan’s launch, which is expected to go on sale in South Korea in December. In the US, it will be launched next year as a 2021 model.
