We’ve heard reports that the next generation of Kia’s Optima (also badged K5 in some markets) will adopt an evolutionary approach. It will look like it’s related to the current model, but it will be sharper, more modern and of higher quality – it will also sport a plug-in hybrid variant for the first time.
The Korean Car Blog has published a report detailing what the future model will be like and one thing’s clear: if you like the Optima you can buy now; that the new one will be right up your alley. It won’t, however, look like the (newer) Sorento and Sedona models but have more distinctive styling.
The source says it will share its underpinnings with the latest Hyundai Sonata which equates to a higher proportion of high-strength steel used in its construction, although it’s suggested that the new platform will also add more weight too – it must be said that the prototype we scooped not long ago (pictured) does look bigger than the current model; it even has an extra bit of glass for rear passengers.
Interior quality will also be improved for the new model with an eight-inch touchscreen taking center stage.
Hopefully, they’ll also have figured out by now that having just one diesel engine in Europe, a 1.7-liter, is simply not enough choice. They also need to address dwindling sales on the local Korean market, as numbers have been showing a constant decrease over the last few months. This hybrid-electric prototype with a battery-powered supercharger seemed pretty cool too, although it’s probably nowhere near production ready.
Photos: CarPix for CarScoops
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