2016 Kia K5 (Kia Optima) - 2015 Seoul Live

First Kia to sport Bi-function HID headlights with dynamic bending lights.

Kia unveiled the new 2016 K5 (2016 Kia Optima) at the Seoul Motor Show 2015 today. The K5's American version, the Optima, was revealed at the New York Auto Show yesterday.

Riding on an all-new platform, the new Optima's wheelbase has been extended by 10.16 mm, and the width has increased by 25.4 mm, to accommodate a spacious interior. Over 50 percent of the new Optima's body is made from AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel). Compared to its predecessor, engineers have upped the AHSS content by 150 percent, the use of structural adhesives by 450 percent and hot-stamped components by 350 percent.

These changes will go a long way in improving NVH levels, Kia said in a statement. Further improvements have been carried out inside where the seat frame is now made stiffer, and the quality of foam used is higher, over the previous generation.

The new Optima is the first Kia vehicle to sport Bi-function HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights and high-beam assist. Safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, 360-degree camera, reverse assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking are available as standard, or part of the optional extras.

Kia is keen to highlight the new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This unit is good for 178 hp and 264 Nm of torque. Other engines, a 2.0- and 2.4-liter GDI, are carried over from the previous generation Optima with minor improvements to the fuel efficiency.

2016 Kia K5 (2016 Kia Optima) - Press Release

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