While the writers of this website do not universally endorse the designs coming out of Hyundai Motor Group, the general consensus is that there has been a concerted effort on behalf of the styling department to up its game. Pretty much everything the company as previewed for us over the last couple of years has at least been interesting. We even said so earlier this week, after Hyundai teased the new Azera/Grandeur.
While that model is likely to remained locked inside other parts of the globe for now, North America is getting boldly redesigned versions of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Whereas the Sonata is being prepped for sales this fall, Optima is a bit further out — likely arriving for the 2021 model year. But it should have a similarly ambitious and impactful design, assuming the latest mockups are indicative of the production car.
Structurally related, both models will be 4-door fastbacks with heaps of accenting illumination near the headlamps and taillights that stretch across the vehicle’s entire rump. However, the Kia keeps its signature “tiger-nose” grille and incorporates enough of the old version to be vaguely identifiable as its successor. Nobody is going to have any trouble telling the two apart, but they will also be able to point out the obvious similarities.
On the inside, Optima looks subdued and classy. Kia’s renderings showcase a handsomely uncluttered space, perhaps a bit more upscale than what we would normally expect from the brand. There’s a digital gauge cluster, larger multimedia screen, and a rotary shift knob … though it could be a multimedia controller similar to BMW’s iDrive. We didn’t see anything else to get you out of park, so we’re making an assumption.
Guts remain a mystery but it’s extremely probable that the manufacturer will borrow equipment from the Sonata. Expect the Optima to come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter motor (180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet) or the less flashy 2.5-liter (191 hp and 181 lb-ft). Both engines should end up with an eight-speed automatic transmission as their partner in crime.
While a more-powerful engine has been rumored to be in development for the Sonata, it’s not expected at launch. However the Kia should be eligible when (and if) it finally manifests.
We’ll learn more about the Kia Optima over the coming months, once it has debuted in South Korea (where it’s called the K5). Models slated for North America probably won’t start appearing until 2020 — with sales commencing closer to the year’s end or early 2021.
[Images: Kia Motors]
I feel, this is disaster a-la Sonata 2011 Sonara. Many people liked it. I am different…
Remember when actual people could get in and out of the back of a Sedan without a concussion? Peppridge Farm remembers.
I’m in favor of anything that reduces or eliminates creases in sheet metal.
Badass, although if that rendition of the interior is anything close to reality, my legs will never reach the pedals.
Seriously though, nice design all around, especially the Jag XJ inspiration in that first drawing.
Looks promising. My 13 Optima still looks current, IMO; Kia’s doing a good job with their styling.
They have to get rid of this hideous badge and name too. No one is going to pay premium for Kia. And why all oval badges are blue? Has anything to do with Ford?
The KIA badges aren’t blue.
I’d suggest scheduling an eye exam.
Kia brought out the SXL trim for the Optima because people were willing to pay a premium for a more lux Kia.
Can we stop with the trope that Kias can’t be nice? The Telluride interior gets plenty of praise, and a K900 is also quite nice on the inside. We’re a long way from the days of the Ford Aspire.
The styling is nice but the ingress and egress might not be that good.
It looks like a Tesla morphed with something from France, with a stretched Challenger rear end.
The lack of unnecessary and ugly creases, folds and bends is worthy of much applause.
The interior will prevent any, ah, affection between the driver and the passenger.
The price tag will likely make Kia shoppers think seriously about just getting another Honda.
All that about the interior from a sketch?
I think some of you just like to see your own thoughts posted up without using any type of common sense.
SC5door,
So glad for the critique. Any original thoughts? Or would that open you up to criticism? :-)
Sounds pretty interesting, will have to keep our eyes out.
I get that the small turbo motor will have a stronger torque curve (and if the ’19 specs are solid enough to trust, better fuel economy if you’re not constantly on the throttle), but it still seems strangely redundant to offer two engines with such similar power. I’d hope the option of the 2.0T will be available down the line, although it’s plausible they don’t want to step on the toes of the Stinger anymore.
Looks like a great marketing tool to get boomers into Sportages and Tellurides