Skip advert
Advertisement

New Kia Optima GT could be UK bound

Kia UK want the Optima GT that's on sale in Europe but they want it with a power boost.

Britain may get a more powerful version of the Kia Optima GT which recently went on sale in Germany.

The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol model delivers 242bhp and 353Nm of torque in the German market. However, Auto Express understands that UK bosses are pushing for an upgraded version to come to Britain which will significantly up the ante, possibly to around 280bhp. The power is delivered through a six-speed auto box.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Paris Motor Show 2016: more news

Head of vehicle testing and high-performance development Albert Biermann is overseeing a programme designed to tune the car to deliver the handling and ride expected by British drivers. The GT is available as a saloon or Sportswagon estate, but it is the latter that Kia believes has more potential in Britain.

The Optima GT was first seen as a prototype at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is the second company’s second GT model following the Cee’d and Pro_cee’d.

It features a redesigned tiger nose grille, more athletic styling and different wheel designs from the standard Optima.

The company’s latest model, the newly unveiled Rio, is thought unlikely to spawn a GT version with bosses suggesting a sportily styled GT Line variant is as far as they are prepared to go.

Would you like to see the Kia Optima GT sold in the UK? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault Twingo 2026 preview: striking EV confirmed for the UK
New Renault Twingo - front

New Renault Twingo 2026 preview: striking EV confirmed for the UK

The reborn Renault Twingo will come to the UK as an all-electric city car for the masses
News
14 May 2025
New Dacia Sandero to come with both hybrid and electric power
Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe Expression - front tracking

New Dacia Sandero to come with both hybrid and electric power

An all-new fourth-generation Sandero is coming in 2027, and Dacia’s boss has been discussing its powertrain options
News
21 Mar 2025
Used Car Hunter: mile-munching saloons for £13,000
Car Hunter £13,000 saloons - header

Used Car Hunter: mile-munching saloons for £13,000

Our car hunter has £13,000 to spend on a saloon that’ll provide a comfortable commute
Features
7 Mar 2025
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 set to add all-wheel drive to hybrid version
Alfa Romeo Junior on display at Paris Motor Show - front static

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 set to add all-wheel drive to hybrid version

New crossover will have two electric motors and offer “excellent traction” for winter
News
20 Dec 2024

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025