The new Optima K5 looks set to be the next rising sun.

One look at it and you won't be able to tell that it's a Kia. The new design streaks of Kia that we first saw in the Cerato Forte and Koup continues in  the Optima K5. With the bold ‘tiger’ face that’s edged by sharp-looking projector headlamps.

Longer, wider and lower than before, the Kia’s coupe-like profile is accentuated by the low and sleek roof line. Still, Kia claims the interior to be spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the Optima K5 will come with a black interior and ‘sports package’ as standard.

Locally, there will only be one engine variant: the 2.0L MPI petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter Theta II MPI engine produces 163hp at 6,200 rpm, with 198 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm. The Optima will go from 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210km/h. Yet, it'll still return a 7.6 l/100 km fuel economy rating if you're gentle.