Kia has revealed the new generation K5 fastback sedan (also known as Optima), slated to go on sale in the first half of 2020 in markets including North America and Europe. The new K5 is expected to be offered in the Indian market as well.
The new K5 showcases Kia’s updated design language with an evolved version of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille at the front. The LED headlamps are outlined with a ‘heartbeat’ daytime running light signature for added visual drama. As the photos would suggest, the hybrid variants get some subtle changes including the bumpers and wheels. The design is a collaboration between all three Kia design studios in North America, Europe and Korea.
The visual drama continues through to the rear of the vehicle with the connected taillamps and the chrome window line surrounding the rear windscreen. The hybrid models get a neatly integrated solar roof as well. In certain angles, the new K5 might remind you of the Stinger, a model that took the brand to a whole new level few years ago.
As for the wheels, the new K5 is available with a choice of 16-, 17- and 18-inch machine-cut aluminum alloys, while the K5 GT models will be offered with a unique 19-inch wheel design. The latter models also get a more aggressive front and rear bumpers, special GT badges, as well as dual twin exhaust tips.
There are changes in dimensions as you’d expect. While the height has been cut by 20 mm (to 1,445 mm), the car’s overall length has been extended by 50 mm (to 4,905 mm), its width by 25 mm (to 1,860 mm), and wheelbase by 45 mm (to 2,850 mm).
As you’d expect, the interior too looks high tech and premium. Depending on the market, the materials used in the cabin include cloth, synthetic leather, leather, and metallic and wood-effect surfaces. Depending on the variant, features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose audio system, Mood Lighting system, and wireless smartphone charging. Other options include an 8.0-inch head-up display that projects information including turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
K5 hybrid
Safety and assistance
Depending on the market, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) with Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).
The new K5 also gets Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA). The new K5 is also the first Kia available with a Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), which enables drivers to move their car autonomously out of a parking space remotely with their key fob.
In addition, the new K5 is fitted with up to 9 airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and ESC.
K5 hybrid
As for the powertrains, the new K5 for the customers in North America and Kia’s domestic Korean market, is available with a new ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline) engine, featuring a new Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology. It produces 180 hp at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500-4,500 rpm.
Other engine options include a 2.0-litre MPI (152 hp, 192 Nm/142 lb-ft), a 2.0-litre engine with Continuously-Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) technology (160 hp, 196 Nm/144 lb-ft), and a 2.5-litre GDi engine (194 hp, 246 Nm/181 lb-ft).
The K5 GT (available in North America) is powered by a 2.5-litre T-GDi engine with 290 hp and 422 Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque. This performance variant is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in around 6.6 seconds.
All engines are paired as standard with 6- or 8-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.5-litre T-GDi engines are also available with a new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT). The new K5 also offers a Drive Mode Select system with ‘Smart’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Custom’ modes.
Depending on the market, the K5 is available with a new AWD system for the first time. Some of the power is sent to the rear axle based on driver inputs and road conditions. The K5 remains front-wheel drive as standard.
K5 hybrid
The K5 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre gasoline engine and an electric motor. The ICE produces 152 hp at 6,000 rpm and 188 Nm (139 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The electric motor offers 38.6 kW (52 hp) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque. Transmission here is a 6-speed automatic.
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