Kia Unveils All-New ’16 Optima in New York, Seoul

Kia Motors America simultaneously shows off its all-new Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto Show, while Kia Motors in Korea unveils the Korean K5 version at the Seoul Motor Show.

Five years after the Optima made its debut in New York, the ’16 model makes a no less dramatic appearance in the Korean automaker’s bid to continue the success story of its best-selling U.S. vehicle.

Produced at Kia’s West Point, GA, plant, the all-new Optima goes on the market in the fourth quarter, sporting new looks, a new engine, stiffer suspension, sportier handling and a host of improvements and options.

The ’16 Optima available in other markets will be produced at Kia’s Hwasung plant in Korea, and specs will differ by market. The U.S. specs are released at the Seoul show but local Korean specs are not disclosed.

Styling strikes a tricky balance in presenting something new and fresh, yet recognizable as the replacement for its successful predecessor, blending familiar visual elements of earlier Optimas with the body of the all-new model.