The 2021 Kia Optima Sedan Teased With A New Radical Design

• The 2021 Optima comes with a sporty couple like design.
• Inside, the K5 Optima features a premium yet minimalist central console.
• Powertrain options for the upcoming model are yet to be revealed.
• It is expected to be revealed by the end of 2019 and could be showcased at Auto Expo 2020.

Kia Motors India is currently riding the success wave with the Seltos compact SUV.  The carmaker is also working on the Grand Carnival MPV, its second launch for India, and the Venue-based QYI compact SUV. Meanwhile, Kia has just teased the 2021 Optima sedan (codenamed the K5) via a sketch ahead of its December 2019 reveal for international markets. For the uninitiated, the Optima is a D-segment sedan that rivals the Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. Now that the K5 Optima has been teased, should Kia bring this to India in a niche-yet-tough segment? Well, don’t hold your breath but we at least hope to see it at the 2020 Auto Expo for now. 

Sporty and sleek are the perfect words to describe the 2021 Kia Optima thanks to its swoopy coupe-like design. Kia’s trademark Tiger-nose grille is wider and sleeker and it merges on to the LED headlamps that get a number ‘2’ shaped DRL. Funky! In profile, a sharp crease runs through the side and the K5 Optima gets a pronounced shoulder above the front and rear wheel arches. Connected tail lamps are the only design element that can be seen at the rear.

Inside, the Optima’s sketch reveals a premium dashboard that takes some design elements from the Seltos. The steering wheel, instrument cluster and the horizontally stacked floating infotainment seem familiar. However, that’s where the similarities end. It comes with a minimalist central console that gets sleek AC vents and aircraft-style toggles for the controls. The sketch also reveals a rotary gear selector and individual armrests for both occupants. Being a Kia, expect it to come with features such as UVO connected-car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, a premium sound system, a head-up display, ventilated seats, wireless phone charger and drive modes to come as standard. 

Powertrain options for the K5 Optima are yet to be confirmed. The UK-spec Optima comes with a 1.6-litre CRDI and 2.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine. The diesel engine develops 136PS and 320Nm while the petrol engine puts out 238PS and 353Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT for the diesel engine while the petrol engine comes with a 6-speed automatic only. 

The production-spec 2021 Kia Optima is expected to debut by the end of 2019. We also expect Kia to showcase the sedan at the Auto Expo 2020 and disclose some information. While the D-segment sedans in India are not exactly setting the sales charts on fire, we would like Kia to bring the Optima to India. It could be the perfect alternative to two of its strong competitors, the Skoda Octavia and Honda Civic.