Next-gen Kia Optima teased ahead of December debut

Next-gen Kia Optima teased ahead of December debut

Kia has unveiled the first sketches of the next-generation K5 – also known as the Optima – ahead of the D-segment sedan’s launch in its home market later in December.

As you can see, Kia opted against an evolutionary approach when it came do designing the latest K5, as the new sedan is drastically different from the outgoing fourth-generation model. The front end continues to feature the carmaker’s signature “tiger nose” grille, although it has been significantly widened for the new car.

The “pinched” middle section of the grille meets up two creases on the bonnet that frame the Kia badge, while strong haunches over the headlamps add to the visual presence. If that isn’t enough, the headlamps themselves sport a distinct “extended V” light signature, and blend in neatly with the front grille.

In profile, we see a sportback-like shape with a swooping roofline that circles around a small lip spoiler on the tailgate. The rear three-quarter view also reveals a unique window outline as well as prominent shoulders that lead into the full-width taillights with extended edges.

The revolutionary design approach extends to the interior, with an entirely new dashboard layout that is dominated by two displays – one acting as a digital instrument cluster and the other serving the infotainment and climate systems.

Other revisions include a new steering wheel, piano key-style switchgear on the centre stack and a rotary gear selector, with additional controls (likely for the electronic parking brake and drive modes) placed just in front of the armrest.

A few cues from the outgoing model have transitioned here as well, with the corner air vents being placed higher up compared to those in the centre, and the centre console continues to feature a “partition” on the passenger side to create an asymmetrical seat layout that wraps around the driver.

GALLERY: 2019 Kia Optima GT facelift (Malaysia-spec)

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • 1999 Proton Perdana V6 way more advanced in tech and engineering than his rival Kia Optima…

    Back then the Optima given gated shifter: Porsche drivers will recognized this as the layout of a Tiptronic, the manual shifting automatic transmission. One can move the lever to the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ slot and control the shifting manually. This particular system is built by Kia, but was designed by Porsche.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • And here we are still waiting for Kia Malaysia to launch their New Cerato.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Celup King on Oct 29, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    Roofline follows new Perdana, even the rounded front is similar.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • L1988 on Oct 29, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    the cabin would be much nicer than the one now… the down side of the Optima now would be the head unit and the gear knob… if these 2 improve then the interior would be satisfying enough…

    And CBU is definitely more promising than any CKD stuff…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • CBU will make it as rare as their Stinger. Not a good business plan.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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