Up till this point, we have had nothing but spy shots of the 2016 Kia Optima / K5 to look at, but now there is a concept model and some official sketches released that give us a better idea of what to expect.
The new model will make its official debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show in April.
The official image shown here would suggest that Kia have taken some cues from the current model to create an evolutionary design.
Kia’s familiar tiger nose grille is now blended with the redesigned headlights up front, while the lower half now has a pair of intakes on either side.
The exterior design has an air of familiarity to it, but there are some real changes to be found under the outer appearance.
One thing we can expect for sure is a new hybrid powertrain like the one seen in the Optima T-Hybrid and Kia Sportspace concept vehicles.
The Sportspace is important, because it suggests that an estate version of the Kia Optima is also coming.
While it is a concept vehicle, it’s easy to see how it could become a production model.
This is actually a pretty common move in the segment, with the likes of the Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat already following the estate format.
There really is little else known about the vehicle at this point, as there is no clear indication of what to expect from the interior.
If we use the Sportspace as the model for what to expect, then there will likely be a spacious, premium style interior found in the 2016 K5 / Optima.
We will find out for sure in April.
UPDATE: First good look at the rear-end design of the Optima 2016MY!! (photo: bobaedream.co.kr)
More pics of the 2016 Kia K5 / Optima sedan will be released shortly, so stay tuned!!
It’s nice but I liked the front of the Sportspace better. Don’t get me wrong, I like this front a LOT!!! Maybe it’s a way to get consumers back to wagons? I’m actually most impressed how Kia got two diffrent looks for the wagon and sedan though. Most manufactures wouldn’t take the extra time and do that and just click and paste.
Just to repeat myself, “I think the front of the Optima is very very nice but it doesn’t beat the Sportspace’s nose.”
Without a doubt, 2 steps backwards. Are you done taking risks Kia? It certainly appears so. Boring!!!!
I like it better than what Kia has for the front of the current Optima. It’s because of the intakes on the sides. Looks great and it’s an improvement for sure!
Hmmm. Will have to look at the rest of the car of course, but so far – not favorably impressed. The old front-end looked better to me. Not sure I really like the tiger-nosed grill blended with the headlights look. I liked the “old” version better – it still looks better than anything else on the highway. Why fool around with success?
May have to look at the Ford Fusion again after all. Their hybrid gets much better mileage. The only thing holding me back has been that I liked the Optima’s looks much better. If so, guess my dad will have the last laugh. (He has a Fusion Titanium)