NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Kia's Australian Optima range confirmed

Kia has confirmed that the fourth-generation Kia Optima medium sedan will be released in Australia before 2015 is done.

To be unveiled in sedan form at the New York International Auto Show this week, the new Optima is expected to be on sale in Australia by November, according to Kia Australia's general manager of media and corporate communications, Kevin Hepworth.

Hepworth also suggested to motoring.com.au there will be two trim levels for the Australian market available from launch.

"It's not confirmed, but we think it will be contained to two... a 2.4 [naturally-aspirated petrol, as seen in the current Optima] with plenty in it and a 'Platinum' Turbo with full kit," he explained.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine is said to be more advanced and refined than the unit we sampled in the current US-spec Kia Optima Turbo SXL in the lead-up to the show this week.

Contrary to previous advice, however, Australians will miss out on the hybrid variant of the new Optima.

"What I can say about hybrid is it's been an on-going study to find a business plan that would make that car work in Australia. If you look at most hybrid offerings in Australia, none of them are making money on their own.

"There is currently not a way to make it a profitable program in Australia, but things change... globally, there's a different view," explained Hepworth.

At this stage, no pricing structure has been confirmed for the replacement for the existing Optima, which starts at $31,490.

"It will be competitive. I don't think we will be chasing [Toyota] Camry down in price. The car will not be undervalued in Australia. It will be presented as what it is; a premium mid-size sedan," Hepworth said.

The possibility of a wagon variant is greater. "Wagon is a wishlist car for us," said Hepworth.

"Initially it was looked at as too niche, but reaction to the SPORTSPACE concept as shown in Geneva has been so unexpectedly positive – just huge – globally, but in Australia particularly.

"It won't be part of the launch range, but you could look forward to it being a production vehicle in the future, and we will have our hand up for it."

There's also the tantalising prospect of a sportier Optima Turbo in the local pipeline.

"A gentleman's WRX perhaps. There's a possible gap under the high-spec Premium for a more focused driver's car. Throw a set of Recaros in it, two-tone interior trim perhaps, wheels, dual muffler exhausts and some suspension tuning. There could be a market for that," Hepworth concluded.