Kia presents the European version of the mid-size sedan Optima at the International Motor Show IAA (17 until 27 September) in Frankfurt. The new generation visually resembles the concept presented at this year's Geneva Motor Show Sportspace Concept and comes with slightly revised diesel and in the future also as a plug-in hybrid.
Visually, the Optima differs by the distinctive tiger nose, far drawn in the side headlights, larger bumpers and more striking side air intakes of its predecessor. At the rear, the Korea middle class received a new light signature. The dimensions have almost not changed: in length, wheelbase and height, the new model has grown by one centimeter, in width, there are three centimeters.
Larger changes were made in the interior. So now higher quality materials are used, the trunk volume, however, only slightly increased by 5 to now 510 liter. In addition, the storage space should be easier to load due to the larger opening and offers an additional storage compartment in the boot floor. Half of the new body is made of ultra-high-strength steel, and in the predecessor model this share was 20 percent. As a result, the body weight has dropped by 8,6 kilograms, the torsional rigidity has in turn increased by 50 percent.
As with the new Ceed, a permanently installed inductive charging station for mobile phones can also be ordered for the larger Optima. The station built into the center console will detect compatible devices as soon as they are placed on the charger panel. The system is equipped with overheat protection, displays the current state of charge in the instrument unit and also informs the driver when he leaves the vehicle without a telephone.
For the drive, the 1,7-liter turbo diesel and the 2,0-liter petrol engine are still available. The turbodiesel taken over from the predecessor model has been optimized and now mobilizes 104 kW / 141 PS, instead of the previous 100 kW / 136 PS, the maximum torque grew from 325 Newton meters to 340 Newton meters. The 120 kW / 163 PS strong 2,0-liter gasoline engine is also known from its predecessor. As standard, both units are combined with a six-speed manual transmission. For the gasoline engine, a six-speed automatic transmission is optionally available. The introduction of the plug-in version as well as the estate version is planned for next year. The sedan is already in the end of this year in the trade.
Author: Adele Moser / SP-X