The redesigned Optima sedan launched last week at the Paris motor show is expected to significantly grow Kia’s presence in the European D segment.

After launch in the US this autumn, the Optima goes on sale in Europe in mid to late 2011 and is completely renewed from the ground up.  Longer, lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase than any previous D segment Kia, it embodies what chief design officer Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.

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He said the concept behind the model focused on four key areas.  Stand-out styling, class-leading performance – downsized but more efficient engines with six-speed transmissions, superior packaging – new, longer wheelbase platform and advanced, high-tech premium options.

The car was launched in Korea earlier this year and, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units in June and July, it was Kia’s first ever top selling model there.

The European Optima line will have petrol and diesel engines including a new ‘U2’ 1.7-litre, 136hp VGT diesel emitting just 113 g/km of CO2 when fitted with a start/stop system.

US buyers get a 2.4-litre I4 petrol engine; Kia no longer will offer a V6 but is adding a two-litre turbo petrol engine and a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, both firsts for the brand.

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The Optima shares its architecture with parent Hyundai’s Sonata.

Benny Oeyen, marketing chief at Kia Motors Europe, said: “Using an all-new mid-size platform and an all-new bodyshell, it moves our saloon product up to the next level of our design revolution.

“In spite of the ongoing global economic uncertainties, Kia’s market research indicates that demand for D segment saloons in many countries will grow steadily over the next three years. We anticipate segment sales rising by 23% from 4.3m last year to 5.3m in 2013. While we expect the segment to shrink in western Europe, Kia wants to gain a bigger share of this sector.”

Northern and western Europe markets prefer five-door hatchback and wagon D segment models. With the recent 2011 model year update, Ford dropped the Mondeo sedan from its UK line.