Following last week’s leaked photos and information, Kia has now released more details about its all-new Optima in Euro-spec.

Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the fourth-generation Optima will go on sale in the fourth quarter this year with redesigned exterior and interior, new technologies and improved engines.

There’s not much to say styling-wise, as the European model looks almost identical to the one which debuted in the United States at the New York Auto Show in April. There are some changes however, including the different front and rear bumpers, as well as the differed LED units in the tail lamps.

The new Optima is marginally longer (+10mm), taller (+10mm) and wider (+25mm) than the outgoing model, with the wheelbase extended as well by 10mm to 2,805mm. Thanks to these changes, Kia says the cabin is roomier and more comfortable, offering more head-, shoulder- and rear-seat leg-room than the previous Optima. Cargo capacity has increased as well to 510 liters (+5 liters).

According to Kia, the cabin is more luxurious and driver-focused than before, crafted “with an obsessive attention to detail.” Actually, the interior is the biggest step forward for the new model, the automaker says. The Optima has more soft-touch materials, while the greater application of soundproofing is said to ensure more refinement.

The body of the new Kia Optima is 50 percent stiffer thanks to the extensive use of ultra-high tensile steel (UHTS), with the body shell being 8.6 kg lighter. Kia says ride and handling have been improved as well thanks to the lighter, stiffer chassis and suspension upgrades (the Optima has fully-independent suspension all-round).

Engine options in Europe include a 1.7-liter diesel and a 2.0-liter petrol. The 1.7-liter CRDi diesel is carried over from the existing model with some upgrades that give it more power and torque and reduced emissions. The unit now produces 141PS (139hp) and 340Nm (251lb-ft) of torque – up from 136PS and 325Nm. CO2 emissions have been reduced by 14 percent to 110 g/km, with the manual transmission and Idle Stop/Go system. The diesel is also offered with a new 7-speed DCT transmission.

The 163PS (161hp) 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine is carried over unchanged, but Kia says it will offer new powertrains in 2016 including a plug-in hybrid and a high-performance unit. The Optima will also get an estate version inspired by the Sportspace Concept.

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