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Lower CO2 emissions and greater fuel economy have been ushered in by Kia’s new Optima saloon.

Four versions of the new model are available from this week, with prices starting from £21,495.

Powered by an upgraded Euro 6 compliant version of Kia's 139bhp 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, the new Optima features Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as standard and a new seven-speed (7DCT) dual-clutch auto transmission.

Together the changes help CO2 emissions to fall by 14% – to 110g/km – on manual models, with fuel economy improving to 67.3mpg.

Optimas fitted with the DCT transmission recorded 116g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 64.2mpg.

The new Optima also features a raft of new technology, with a wireless charger for mobile devices located in the base of the centre console, and an optional 360-degree Around View Monitor which gives the driver a bird's-eye view when manoeuvring, while a Smart Park Assist System automatically steers the car in and out of parallel or perpendicular parking slots.

There is the option of Autonomous Emergency Braking and Bi-Xenon Dynamic Bending Headlights, which angle in line with steering wheel movements. High Beam Assist, meanwhile, will switch the lamps between full and dipped beam automatically.

Lane Keep Assist, Speed Limit Information Function, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers about to pull out of a perpendicular parking space into the path of a vehicle approaching from the side, are also available.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Optima, offering a commuter-friendly all-electric drive range with even lower emissions and greater taxation advantages, will be added later in 2016.