The 2016 Kia Optima is seeing the light of day before its official debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show next week.
Generally, teasing a new car doesn’t mean actually showing the entire thing, but that is what Kia has done here.
As was hinted at by Kia’s previous teasers and the Sportspace concept from the recent Geneva Motor Show, the new Optima wears an evolution of the current car’s styling.
Kia’s signature “tiger grille” is still in place, but the headlights that flank it have been slimmed down for a sleeker look.
The front bumper has also grown a pair of air-intake nostrils, which probably don’t serve any real function but make the Optima look a little sportier.
Sadly, the Sportspace’s wagon body style probably isn’t in the cards. If a four-door sedan doesn’t offer enough cargo space, Kia will happily sell you a Sorento.
Kia is keeping other details to a minimum, only saying that the 2016 Optima will feature a more spacious interior and some new technology features.
Don’t be surprised if powertrain options stick close to the format of the current Optima, with an all four-cylinder lineup that emphasizes fuel efficiency over performance.
The Optima may also get the updated hybrid powertrain and plug-in hybrid option from its mechanical twin, the Hyundai Sonata.
We’ll find out all of these details April 1, when the 2016 Optima gets its moment in the spotlight. Check back for live coverage from New York.
