The new Optima design boss at Kia promises some “unexpected details”.
Kia has been focusing on SUVs lately with the Telluride’s release and the imminent appearance of the XCeed in Europe, along with the Seltos in North America. A all new Sorento was seen earlier in the week. The next-gen Mohave was also captured by the spy camera, and can be viewed through the Masterpiece. While it’s clear that the company has many responsibilities right now, sedans are not being overlooked.
Although the fourth-generation Optima is only four years old, Kia has been testing the next generation of its midsize sedan at home in South Korea. The prototypes were camouflaged but did not reveal any details about the Hyundai Sonata’s design direction. Therefore, the Kolesa.ru rendering can be considered purely speculation.
This digital exercise suggests new front and rear fascias, with Ceed-inspired headlights. It also features sleek taillights that feature a full-width LED lightbar. Automakers are increasingly embracing this idea. We’ve previously mentioned that Kia will place the side mirrors lower than the A-pillars. This could reduce wind noise and improve aero.
We are eager to see the next generation of the Kia Sonata, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sedans ever made in South Korea. The styling details are already known, and Byungchul Juh (Kia’s design boss) told Autocar that the new Optima is the first step in a new design direction.
He also mentioned that there would be different corporate “tiger noses” grilles for each segment. The new Optima will feature “unexpected details and influences from general product, car, architecture, fine art, and Kia.” Don’t expect it to be a simple Sonata. To reflect Kia’s desire for being “young and challenging, but cool” – it will have its own identity.
Although it’s not clear at this time how the interior will change for the next-generation model sources close to the matter say TheKoreanCarBlog that the dashboard design will draw inspiration from the Telluride large SUV. There will be changes to make the sedan more comfortable.
According to rumors, the next-gen Optima may not be long away if the KDM-spec K5 is released in September. The U.S.-spec Optima will likely follow in the footsteps of the European model and will be available with a choice between two turbocharged engines. A 1.6-liter engine will be available in two tunings, as well as a 2.5-liter unit that is rumored at 286 horsepower. To increase the car’s appeal, the 2.5T Optima is expected to include an optional all-wheel drive as well as a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission.