Published On Jun 30, 2020
Say hello to the new K-Car. No, not the econobox from the 1980, this is the K5, the replacement for the Kia Optima mid-size sedan, actually a better sounding name. Over at Hyundai, they recently introduced a stylish but maybe polarizing design, this is Kia’s take on the shared platform. I have to say this looks better, the front grille design, sharp looking, what Kia calls, Heartbeat LED headlamps, tiger nose grille and a sweeping roofline similar to an Audi A7 or Kia Stinger. At the back is a new full-width tail lamp design, once agin similar to the A7. This car is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing Optima and is said to sport a better suspension and improved refinement. This new K5 is a great looking car and makes the Accord and Camry look a bit frumpy. It also holds clues as to what the updated Stinger might look like when it is shown, hopefully soon. Here is where the details are light, Kia has said they will confirm trims closer to arrival at dealerships this fall. The car you are looking at here is the GT trim with AWD but the press information doesn’t confirm AWD is coming. My bet is that yes AWD will at least be an option and a good fit for Canadian winters. Power comes from an available 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 180hp and 195lb.-ft. of torque. Then there is the available 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with the new 8-speed “wet” Dual Clutch Transmission. That’s more than VW Arteon. Inside is either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainments screen and for the first time ever in a Kia, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless so no need for clumsy cables. This new Kia K5 also comes with a long list of standard advanced safety features. As I mentioned the press material on this car is pretty light, it really is about design and making a stagnant and I think this car does look different and sporty. Stay tuned for more details on trims and more specs. Please subscribe and stay tuned for more Covid virtual car launches right. here. Let me know what you think of this new k5