THE new Kia Optima will costs from £21,495 when it goes on sale in January.

Four models will be available and all feature an upgraded version of Kia's 1.7-litre diesel engine which is claimed to be up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient.

That translates into a claimed fuel figure of 67.3mpg for the entry level model with emissions of 110g/km.

The range topper, fitted with a seven speed dual clutch auto transmission and priced from £28,895, is rated at 64.2mpg with a CO2 figure of 116g/km.

Targeting the fleet and business market, the new Optima saloon is the first in its class to be fitted with a wireless phone charger as well as automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.

Although the new model is some £2,000 more expensive than the previous Optima its business tax rates have been slashed with the dual clutch model - which replaces the current automatic transmission - now rated at 18 per cent for business users.

A plug-in hybrid model with even lower emissions is slated to join the range later in the year.

The new model is slightly larger than before and boot capacity has been increased to 510 litres.

Overall it has moved much more upmarket, featuring Kia's new ‘jewel studded' grille design first seen on the Sorento SUV while inside the quality of finish has been improved considerably.

Four trim levels will be available with sat nav standard on cars costing from £23,495 while the range toppers will come with a full array of advanced systems including automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian detection function that works at speeds of up to 37mph.

The car is due for release in the UK on January 5.