South Korean automaker Kia has released technical details about the all-new 5th generation Optima, which is known as K5 in certain markets including its home. The stunning Optima will go on sale in several markets across the globe from the first half of 2020.
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The car has been designed in collaboration between all three of Kia’s design studios in North America, Europe and Korea. Considered as a sister model to Hyundai Sonata, the latest generation of which debuted earlier this year, the all new Optima is even more exciting giving an “intense first impression” as described by Kia. It is also deemed as “Kia’s sportiest designs to-date.”
The latest Optima showcases Kia’s next-generation design direction which will be implemented on its future cars. Up front there is an evolution of the signature “tiger nose” grille, which now becomes wider and integrates the headlamps that feature “heartbeat” LED DRLs. Prominent creases on the bonnet add to the sportiness, with a subtle overhang on its leading edge meeting neatly with the grille. The lower portion of the front bumper is also more expressive with angular air curtains and a wider intake.
Along the sides, the shoulder line of the fastback styled saloon gradually rises while the chrome trim on the upper window line wraps around the base of rear window for more visual flair. Towards the back there are new LED daytime running light accompanying the sharper dashed taillights, which spans the width of the rear deck, with the dashes of light extending into the same “heartbeat” shape seen at the front. There is a ducktail spoiler paired with a sportier lower bumper design and dual chrome exhausts.
In terms of dimensions, the all new Optima measures 4,905 mm in length and 1,860 mm in width, making it 50 m longer, 25 mm wider than the previous model. The enhanced 2,850 mm wheelbase is claimed to offer stable driving characteristics whereas the roofline has gone down by 20 mm at 1,445 mm for a low-slung profile. Standard versions will get 16 to 18 inches wheels, while the GT models will receive a unique 19-inch set of alloys, along with more aggressive bumpers, dedicated badging & dual twin exhaust tips.
The interior takes an evolutionary approach with new layout now gets wooden trim dividing the upper dash from the center stack, extending to the door cards to create a wraparound look. As a result, the air vents have been resized to be smaller, with the ones in middle being pushed downwards as well.
There is a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system beside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display. There is also a shift-by-wire rotary dial selector as an alternative to a conventional gear lever, depending on the selected transmission. Other features include an ambient lighting system, an 8-inch head-up display, digital key, 12-speaker Bose sound system and a range of cabin color schemes, upholstery options and trim finishes, depending on the market where the car will be sold.
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In terms of engines, the 2020 Kia Optima is offered with a Smartstream 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 179 hp and 265 Nm of torque. Then there is a 2.0 liter MPI with 151 hp and 192 Nm, 2.0 liter with CVVL producing 159 hp and 196 Nm and a 2.5 liter GDi engine with 193 hp and 246 Nm.
The flagship GT version gets the most powerful engine, a 2.5 liter T-GDi that outputs 289 hp and 422 Nm, allowing the 5th gen Optima to reach 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. All engines are paired with either 6- or 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.5 liter T-GDi is available with a new 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. For the first time, the Optima will also have the option of an all-wheel drive system as an alternative to the standard front-wheel drive.
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Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are also available, and includes Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor with Surround View Monitor and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Highway Driving Assist.
That’s not all, as there is a Rear View Monitor with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, which enables drivers to move their car autonomously out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob. All Optima models come with 9 airbags as standard and the usual array of passive safety systems including Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control.
What do you think of the all new 2020 Kia K5/ Optima? Let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
