Will This Premium 2021 Kia Optima Sedan Make It To India?

• The 2021 Kia K5 Optima is set to be unveiled in December.
• It gets a sharp and sporty design with traditional Kia elements like the Tiger Nose grille.
• It is expected to be offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.5-litre NA petrol engine.
• Kia is likely to showcase the premium sedan at Auto Expo 2020.

After countless teasers and design sketches, Kia Motors has released images of the production-spec 2021 Optima sedan. It is also known as the Kia K5 in South Korea. Kia’s take on the Skoda Superb, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat and the Honda Accord is set to be revealed globally in December. But will Kia bring it to India to expand its portfolio? Well, it’s unlikely to come anytime soon as the Korean carmaker already has the Grand Carnival MPV and a compact SUV codenamed the QYI in the pipeline. 

 

The styling of the Optima sedan is best described as sporty. Kia has retained almost all of the sharp details that were showcased in earlier sketches in the production model. The front-end is dominated by Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger Nose’ grille that connects the sleek LED headlamps. It gets funky DRLs that are called the ‘Heartbeat’ and mimic the number ‘2’.  Sporty bumpers with aggressive airdams complement the sharp nose further.

In profile, the Optima comes with a sloping roofline that gives it a couple-like stance. Mild creases and curves add more character to side profile. Looks closely, and you’ll notice a chrome strip that runs from the A-pillar all the way to the rear before enveloping three sides of the roof. At the rear, the Optima comes with connected tail lamps that have LED bars. An aggressive rear bumper and dual-tone alloy wheels complete the look. 

The interior of the production-spec Optima is yet to be revealed. Based on earlier sketches, we know that it will feature a Seltos-like floating touchscreen infotainment system and a three-spoke steering wheel. Other highlights include a rotary gear shift knob, sleek AC vents, individual arm rests and aircraft-style toggles for select controls. The Optima is also expected to come loaded with features such as UVO connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a head-up display, Kia Sound Mood lighting, a premium sound system, wireless phone charger, drive modes as well as ventilated seats. 

Powertrain options for the Optima sedan are yet to be revealed. However, reports suggest that the premium sedan could come with two petrol powertrains - a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated unit or a 1.6-litre turbocharged motor. The bigger unit develops 191PS while the smaller engines develops 180PS. Both engines are likely to be paired with an 8-speed automatic. A hybrid powertrain is also on the cards, the specifications of which are yet to be revealed. 

The Kia Optima is expected to go on sale soon after its global unveil in South Korea. We expect the sedan to be displayed at the Auto Expo 2020 considering Kia Motor India’s expansion plans.  However, the chances of this premium sedan making its way to India are rather slim considering that premium sedans are currently being overshadowed by full-size SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner.