Kia Motors is expected to mark its India debut in the early months of 2019. Amongst the slew of launches expected from the Korean automaker, there is the Kia Optima – a D-segment sedan. It is expected to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla Altis. Kia also sells the Optima as the K5 sedan in some markets, including South Korea and China.
The Optima sedan has been on sale in various international markets since the year 2000. The sedan is currently in its fourth generation, which was unveiled in 2016. It is based on the same platform that underpins the Hyundai Sonata. However, it comes with a completely new styling and feature list, and a set of potent engine options. Before being launched in India, the Optima is expected to receive a mid-life facelift. Hence, we expect to get the facelifted Optima at launch.
Also Read: Can Kia Motors make an impact in India?
In India, the Optima sedan can help Kia to enhance the premium appeal associated with its brand. It is important to note that Kia is not a budget-oriented arm of Hyundai. Hence, the expected Kia cars to be launched in India are likely to not just be limited to budget hatchbacks and sedans. Premium offerings like the Optima sedan and Sportage SUV will ensure that customers don’t regard Kia cars to be cheap or budget-inclined. We all know what happens when a product in India gets the ‘cheap’ tag; case-in-point: the Tata Nano!
Excited about the Kia Optima in India? Let’s give you a comprehensive look at what this upcoming D-segment sedan has on offer:
Kia Optima India launch date
Kia Motors is currently building its manufacturing facility in India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The automaker is expected to start sales in the country by next year. However, the Optima won’t be one of the first cars coming from the Korean automaker in India. The company hasn’t even officially mentioned about the prospects of the Optima’s India launch. However, the sedan has been spotted testing in India in the recent past. As a result, it is highly likely that the Kia Optima will be launched in the country, though the introduction will likely take place in the later half of 2019 or sometime in 2020.
Kia Optima expected price in India
The Optima will be launched to compete in the D-segment market. However, with Kia being a new name in the industry, the Optima sedan is expected to be introduced at a competitive price tag. Hence, we expect it to be pegged in the range of Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
It is worth noting that Kia is known for loading its cars with ample features. Hence, such competitive pricing will require high levels of localisation. Media reports in the past have suggested that Kia Motors India is aiming to achieve very high localisation levels of around 80% for some of its offerings.
A car is said to be heavily localised when most of its raw materials and components are produced / assembled locally.
Kia Optima Specifications
In India, the Kia Optima sedan is expected to be offered with two engine options – a petrol and a diesel. The petrol models will be powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder MPI engine that churns out 163PS and 195Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the diesel versions will be available with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine. This is the same powerplant that powers the Hyundai Elantra, rated at 127PS and 259Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, similar to what is seen on the Hyundai Elantra.
| Petrol | 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI engine |
| Power | 163PS @ 6,500rpm |
| Torque | 196Nm @ 4,800rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed Manual & 6-speed Automatic |
| Diesel | 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine |
| Power | 127PS @ 4,000rpm |
| Torque | 259Nm @ 1,900rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed Manual |
Kia Optima Safety Features
- Six airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Cruise Control
- Lane keeping assist
- Seatbelts with pre-tensioners
- ISOFIX child seat mounts