By: Dave Abrahams
New York Auto Show - Almost exactly five years after its predecessor debuted at the same event, Kia has pulled the covers off its all-new Optima sedan, unashamedly a product of, and made for, the connected generation.
More than half the content of the handout has nothing to do with performance, comfort or safety - it's about the car's infotainment system and how much of your driving responsibilities the car can take over so you can put more attention into riding the glass surfboard.
But we'll start with the nuts and bolts of a car that's longer, with its wheelbase extended 10mm to 2804mm, and 25mm wider at 1859mm, giving it more head, shoulder and rear legroom than its predecessor, as well as a larger boot.
It's also the first Kia with bi-functional high intensity discharge headlights - optionally with adaptive round-the-corner lights and high-beam assist - and rolls on alloy rims ranging from 16-18 inches, depending on the model. The panoramic sunroof is supported by a carbon-fibre frame - also a brand first - while a full underfloor fairing, and added A-pillar mouldings reduce wind roar for a quieter ride.
MOTORVATION
It'll be offered in North America with three engine choices - each driving the front wheels - including a new 1.6-litre turbopetrol four with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Outputs are quoted as 131kW and 264Nm.
Carried over from the previous-generation Optima are the two-litre GDI turbopetrol, now rated for 182kW and 353Nm, and the naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre GDI, quoted at 136kW and 241Nm. Each is mated to a six-speed auto transmission and has been tweaked to use less fuel and develop maximum torque at lower revs but Kia, perhaps wisely, isn't quoting any in-house fuel-consumption figures.
The new Optima's sub-frame mounting points have been moved outward for more consistent suspension geometry, all the bushings are stiffer, and the front wheel-bearings and rear control arms have been beefed up to reduce play and improve steering precision - making it possible, for the first time, to offer as an extra-cost option a more direct power-steering set-up with its motor mounted on the steering rack rather than on the column.
SITTING PRETTY
The interior of the new Optima has been simplified, using stronger horizontal planes and a wider centre console to create a sense of space, with more soft-touch finishes and real contrast stitching along the doors and dashboard, while the 'functional' keys and buttons have been reduced in number and regrouped to make their layout more intuitive.
Stiffer seat frames reduce vibration and softer foam in the head restraint, upper back and thigh-support areas welcomes occupants, while deeper side bolsters with denser, more supportive foam supports them.
GIZMOTRONICS
Kia's in-car connectivity system, Uvo, now comes standard in North America and, later in 2016, this will be the first Kia to be offered with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Standard issue is a six-speaker audio system, but a few dollars more will get you a 14-speaker, 630W Infinity system with patented music restoration technology and QuantumLogic Surround technology - a first for Kia.
Higher-specced models can also be ordered with an all-round view monitor, smart cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.
Kia has yet to decide whether the new Optima will be sold in SA; if so, expect to see it here in the first quarter of 2016.