Kia has unveiled the new 2016 Optima mid size saloon at the New York motor show.

The Optima changed the way people felt about the Kia brand, and KMA owes much of its growth and success to its head-turning design and sporty performance.  It was - and still is to this day - a fresh alternative in the midsize sedan segment, and it amplified a five-year design-led transformation that propelled Kia to record-setting sales year-on-year," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Kia.

"The all-new Optima retains the signature personality of its predecessor, but we've literally improved everything, providing more space, better ride and handling, more technology and greater refinement," he added.

The wheelbase has been extended to 110.4 inches (increased 0.4 inches), and the vehicle has been widened to 73.2 inches (increased 1.0 inch).  Both changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head room, shoulder room and rear seat leg room.  The increased dimensions also allow for more luggage capacity in the boot.

Exact specification details, trim levels, pricing and launch dates for European markets will be confirmed in due course.