SECTOR: Upper Medium   PRICE: From €24,990–€35,990   FUEL: 4.2–7.5l/100km   CO2: 110–175g/km

The Optima’s runaway success when it was launched in North America five years ago was arguably a turning point for Kia there, but it meant European buyers had to wait while Kia struggled to keep up with US demand.

The ingredients were right; a comfortable D-segment sedan with its eyes set on mainstream rivals like the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, as well as the Peugeot 508, Mazda6 and Toyota Avensis. Something was lacking in the chassis department though, which held it back from taking on more European-focused rivals.

Some two to three years after the car reached us, it may seem strange that the Optima is being replaced, even if it’s by a car that looks remarkably similar. Its short life cycle has everything to do with the US success that delayed the Optima’s arrival here. The outgoing model is now five years old and Kia’s model line-up doesn’t usually live much longer without replacement.

The European version debuted at the Frankfurt Show last September. Don’t be fooled by the similar looks. Underneath the skin the car has been considerably revised to offer a range of improvements. The wheelbase is 10mm longer at 2,805mm, adding 10mm to overall length at 4,855mm. At the same time, it is 25mm wider and 10mm taller. That means more space inside, offering more leg and knee-room as well as more shoulder room.

Externally, aerodynamics are improved with a drag factor of 0.29Cd, reduced from 0.30Cd. Nine colours will be on offer and all models will have alloy wheels. Next year a station wagon version will join the range, essential across Europe, while there will also be petrol/electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions during 2016. It is not yet clear whether the new 2.0-litre petrol engine will be offered in all European markets. With the old model, markets like the UK only took the 1.7-litre diesel, carried over to the new model, but with power raised to 141hp.

But the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models may help those looking for an alternative to diesel.

Even so, the diesel is likely to be a strong seller for fleet buyers. It will give combined fuel consumption of up to 4.2l/100km with CO2 emissions of 110g/km for the six-speed manual variant or 116g/km (4.4l/100km) for the new version with dual clutch seven-speed automated transmission. This model replaces the former six-speed automatic.

Out on the road, even in the torrential rain we experienced around Frankfurt, the car feels completely different from its predecessor, mainly because 50% of the body structure is now made up using advanced high-strength steel, giving it the chassis capable of taking on its European rivals. Optima now feels like the car the previous model could have been. The revisions bring lower noise levels, which makes it a more refined cruiser than it was before too. If the previous model lacked what it takes to compete with the market leaders head on, the latest Optima will give them a much more difficult time.

The extra interior space is a definite plus for occupants front and rear. The extra 10mm in the wheelbase as well as re-shaped front seats provide an additional 25mm rear leg room, while shoulder room increases by 20mm in the front and 17mm in the rear. Headroom has been increased by 5mm in the front and 15mm in the rear.

There is now a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment including seven airbags and Kia’s vehicle stability management (VSM) system. Options include advanced smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

What we think:

Optima is now a challenger to the established European market leaders. The revisions are all for the better, while the station wagon and hybrid models will give it even more fleet appeal in 2016. Reduced CO2 emissions and hybrid options should bring increased demand too.

Highlights:

• Four-door and Sportswagon variants
• More interior space