NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: New Kia Optima debuts

Korean manufacturer Kia has finally pulled the sheets of its latest mid-size sedan challenger, the Optima.

Due in Australia later this year with two variants powered by 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engines respectively, the fourth-generation Optima has 'matured into an expertly crafted sedan', according to Kia.

Both naturally-aspirated 2.4 and turbocharged 2.0-litre are carried-over from the current US-market Optima, though both have been refined to aid efficiency... apparently at the cost of power.

Where the third-generation Optimas produce 148kW/250Nm (2.4) and 204kW/370Nm (Turbo), the replacement vehicles will sit at 'around 185hp [138kW] / 178lb-ft [241Nm]' for the 2.4 and 'approximately 247hp [184kW] / 260lb-ft [353Nm]' for the 2.0 Turbo. This has been done for efficiency and drivability, though it is too early in the vehicle's development to consult economy figures.

The plus is in peak power speeds for the atmo engine, which now tops out at 6000rpm (previous: 6300rpm) and produces maximum torque at 4000rpm (previous: 4250rpm). For reference the Turbo peaks at the same 6000rpm as before, but torque is maximised from only 1350rpm, eclipsing the 1650rpm marker set by the previous model.

On the new engines, Kia Australia's general manager for media and corporate communications, Kevin Hepworth, told motoring.com.au that the new-gen engines will be "far more efficient and advanced" in the delivery of their performance. "That doesn't necessarily mean more powerful.

"That said, the Americans have a max 91RON fuel and there may be a higher octane tune for Australia," he continued.

It's been five years since the Peter Schreyer-designed third-generation car wowed onlookers at the New York Motor Show, but the latest car is more evolution than revolution, with several stylistic tweaks bringing an increased sense of prestige.

Swept-back headlights and a tauter version of the signature tiger-nose grille add aggression while the available bi-functional HID headlamps with dynamic bending lamps and auto beam assist are a Kia first.

The styling contains a new chassis that is longer, wider and stiffer than its predecessor, promising more interior space and improved ride and handling characteristics. Wheelbase is increased 10mm to 2805mm, and width jumps 30mm to 1860mm.

While the Australian market looks likely to gain two Optima variants, five are to be available in North American showrooms. They will also receive a third combustion engine option, with a 133kW/264Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit available in the base-spec LX Turbo. This will be mated to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that won't be seen in any Australian Kia until at least 2016.

The North American Optima will ride on a range of alloy wheels running the gamut from 16 to 18 inches, depending on specification, although it is likely Australian cars will roll on 18s exclusively.

Inside, the new Optima is described as 'class-up', befitting its status as a "premium mid-size sedan" as described by Hepworth. Although no Australian pricing has been indicated, it "will not be chasing Camry down in price".

Said to draw inspiration from Kia's premium and luxury sedans, such as the K900 V8 large sedan available in North America, the new Optima's interior incorporates more soft-touch materials than its predecessor. There's also 'real' dash and door trim stitching with metallic accents throughout to provide contrast. A wider centre console and stronger horizontal plane offer a more driver-oriented feel, but also a sense of airiness in the cabin. Ergonomics have also been enhanced, following the European trend of reducing the number of functional switchgear in the cockpit.

Stiffer seat frames and the use of softer foams within the frame, together with deeper side bolsters, improve occupant comfort further. Heated and ventilated seats are available and likely in Australia, along with power adjustment for both driver and front passenger; the latter with height adjustment for the first time. Interior trims range from cloth through leather, including a Nappa leather option. An 8.0-inch touch screen provides a centrepoint for an improved infotainment system, incorporating Kia's UVO2 connectivity system.

Kia says the Optima is its pilot vehicle for delivering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionalities to the US market. This allows occupants to access core phone functions via the vehicle's touch screen.

A six-speaker audio system is standard, however a 14-speaker, 630-watt premium surround sound system is also available.

Safety-wise the new Optima gains a reversing camera as standard across the range while higher grades offer an optional 360-degree monitor. Smart cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and auto emergency braking will be likely starters in Australia.

Another Optima first is the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic structure for the panoramic sunroof , which reduces weight and lowers the Optima's centre of gravity. Added insulation, a fuller underbody floor and extra structural adhesive contribute to reduced NVH, while stiffer engine mounts, panels and wheels further reduce noise and vibration. A four-bushing mount for the car's two subframes (where the previous car used two bushings) provide added lateral stiffness to aid ride and response.

"The Optima changed the way people felt about the Kia brand, and KMA owes much of its growth and success to its head-turning design and sporty performance," said Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America's executive vice president sales and marketing. 

"It was – and still is to this day – a fresh alternative in the midsize sedan segment, and it amplified a five-year design-led transformation that propelled Kia to record-setting sales year-on-year.

"The all-new Optima retains the signature personality of its predecessor, but we've literally improved everything, providing more space, better ride and handling, more technology and greater refinement."

Kia Australia expects the Optima to be launched in Australia in November, with pricing and detailed specifications available closer to launch.