2021 KIA K5 Officially Revealed For U.S. Market As Optima’s Replacement


Kia has finally revealed the new 2021 K5 mid-size sedan for the North American market as the replacement of the Optima, with the new car featuring a much sharper visual presence thanks to the company’s new design language.

The new Kia K5 is based upon the new ‘N3’ platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Sonata, making it longer by 2 inches, wider by an inch, and lower by 0.8 inches. The wheelbase is also stretched by 1.8 inches.


The more aggressive proportions of the 2021 Kia K5 are now backed up by Kia’s bold new design direction, making the new mid-size model one of the most striking sedans to look at. The front end is dominated by the new version of the brand’s so-called “tiger face”, which includes a wide and thin front grille that extends into the headlights and the hood.

There are plenty of design details to go through here: the slim headlights feature a pair of ‘Heartbeat’ daytime running lights, the roofline gets a chrome trim piece while the rear glass features a gloss black applique to “enhance the fastback shape”, despite being essentially a sedan.


Customers in the US will be initially offered a choice between four trim levels (LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX), followed by the addition of the range-topping GT variant later down the line.

The base version of the 2021 Kia K5 will be using the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 HP and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia will also make this powertrain optionally available with an all-wheel-drive system in late 2020 for the very first time in the model’s history.


The range-topping Kia K5 GT model will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as expected, producing 290 HP and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. This engine will be bolted to an in-house developed eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing the K5 to complete the 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The interior follows suit with the latest tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -a first for a Kia-, a choice between 8- and 10.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system with navigation with real-time traffic data, UVO telematics, and natural-voice recognition, as well as a faster wireless charging system for keeping your smartphone’s battery topped up. All trim levels will also come with improved sound-deadening materials and an acoustic laminated windscreen for a quieter, more comfortable cabin.


Other smart features include Remote Engine Start and Climate, a “Sound of Nature” ambient system designed to create a “peaceful retreat” inside the new Kia K5 with six calming themes, as well as an Active Sound Design system that “provides a dynamic auditory experience by enhancing the sound of engine acceleration and gear shifts”.

The active safety equipment list is pretty long too, featuring everything from Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Following Assist as standard to Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve and Highway Driving Assist as options.


The new K5 will reach Kia showrooms across the USA this summer in LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX with the 1.6-liter turbo engine, with the more potent 2.0-liter turbo GT version to follow later in the fall.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more