FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Kia Optima's Euro premiere

Kia has finally unveiled the production version of its mid-sized family sedan for Europe at the Frankfurt motor show.

Showing off an all-new design first seen earlier in the year, in New York, the Optima presents a shrunken version of the brand's trademark tiger-nose grille that incorporates two wraparound front headlamps.

The fourth-generation Optima will be available with just two engines in Australia – a 138kW/241Nm normally aspirated 2.4-litre petrol and a sporty new 184kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo

According to a senior Kia source, the new Optima has been created to appeal to two different customers, with the 2.4-litre expected to sell to the executive fleet market while the new sporty 2.0-litre  turbo GT will attract new retail customers to the brand.

Kia hasn't yet released performance figures for the sporty turbo, which has been tuned to produce low-end torque rather than top-end power. That power delivery trait suits the car's standard six-speed automatic, featuring a torque converter that locks up quickly for improved fuel efficiency and performance. On that point, the version sold in the US is said to sprint from zero to 60mph (97km/h) in around 7.3 seconds.

According to the Kia source a Optima wagon remains unlikely for Australia as the production car loses the 2015 Geneva motor show's Kia Sportspace concept's dramatic shooting brake looks. Killing its appeal further is projected pricing that would push the Optima wagon beyond comparable SUV levels, placing the Optima wagon at an immediate disadvantage in the market.

Inside, there's said to be more interior space thanks to the Optima being 25mm wider while the wheelbase grows fractionally by 10mm.

Like the Sportage revealed alongside it, cabin space takes a leap forward in quality, with upgraded materials used in its construction.

New technology includes a completely new touch-screen infotainment system that includes Apple and Android connectivity.

Said to be one of the safest in its class the new Optima sedan will come with radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision and lane departure alert systems.

Diesel has already been ruled out for the Optima that goes on sale towards the end of this year, but the forthcoming plug-in hybrid that goes on sale in 2016 might be considered.

Kia Australia is expected to release more detailed technical information as well as indicative pricing for the Optima in coming months.

Full coverage from motoring.com.au at Frankfurt motor show here