Kia’s new Optima will be displayed at the New York International Auto Show on the first of April. The Korean carmaker has been excited about its new flagship sedan. Today, they released a preview of the car.
The images released show the Optima at what is clearly an early design phase. As one would expect, the front end resembles the recently unveiled Sportspace wagon which shares the same platform, but there are some minor differences.
- The ‘Tiger Nose’ on the Optima retains the diamond-shaped grille, whereas the Sportswagon featured some glossy plastics.
- Rounded dual-HIDs rather than the angular quad-LED projector headlamps.
- Fog lights that, though interesting and futuristic, don’t quite fit with the theme.
For reference, here’s the Sportspace concept:
There are spy shots with different light set ups on the new Optima, so it would be best to wait till the full reveal than to speculate on what Kia will go for in the end.
The more interesting reveal here’s the rear, which seems to retain the current sloping roofline and coupe elements. It’s doubtful that frameless door will end up on the Optima. What’s clear is that Kia’s design choices are maturing quite nicely.
