First Drive: Kia Optima
Refreshed and ready to do battle in the tough mid-size saloon market, Kia’s Optima is a high-spec, value-for-money alternative to the mainstream opposition. Iain Dooley reports.
What’s new?: Kia’s Optima has been around for a few years, and this mild refresh ensures that the Korean firm’s mid-size saloon stays competitive in a crowded marketplace populated by more expensive and long-established rival metal. There’s much to like about the Optima; it’s a stylish car and its bold corporate ‘look’ is striking without detracting from the rest of its clean lines.
Subtle tweaks to the car’s nose and tail hide a more comprehensive update inside and under the skin. Improvements to overall refinement have resulted in a quieter cabin, while there’s more standard and optional kit available. Kia’s following the trend for the inclusion of smarter safety technology, such as blind spot and lane departure warning kit.
Looks and image: The sharp-suited Optima has nothing to fear in the company car park. The car’s decidedly European styling cues sit comfortably with the less adventurous looks of many of its rivals. Crucially, the big Kia shares many of its exterior details with smaller cars in the family, and it’s this familiarity that should help tempt buyers to trade up with confidence.
Confidence also plays a big part in the ownership experience, which is why Kia has scored highly in recent years with its generous seven-year warranty. It’s an unusual yet welcome sales tactic, and has done wonders for the brand’s image when it was building confidence among buyers at the start of its big European sales push many years ago.
Space and practicality: A large saloon like the Optima is designed from the outset to be accommodating, and the four-door Kia doesn’t disappoint. Although the main focus is on front seat occupants, there’s also ample room in the back for business associates or the family. The car’s generous sized boot is also a big plus and the cabin isn’t short of useful oddment storage options, making it an ideal environment for road warriors and their clutter.
Behind the wheel: Kia has worked to ensure the Optima delivers a refined and soothing driving experience, ready to rival the products of the established European players. It’s largely paid off, with the Optima easily capable of munching the motorway miles and distancing the driver from poorly surfaced roads. The sole 1.7-litre diesel engine option delivers a strong performance, and remains reasonably quiet when pushed hard. Don’t expect the Optima to rival the German sports saloons for outright performance though, as Kia’s aim to major on refinement and comfort has largely succeeded.
Value for money: In its refreshed state, boasting more kit and visibly higher quality levels, the Optima offers budget-savvy buyers a credible alternative to the wares of the more established brands. With its sensible economy and emissions ratings, plus that all-important seven-year warranty, the Optima makes a lot of sense for both private buyers and company car users.
Who would buy one?: If you’re downsizing from a larger luxury car yet keen to retain your much-loved creature comforts, Kia’s Optima is worth a serious look. That’s also true if you want to move up in the world but don’t fancy paying big bucks for the privilege. Either way, the Optima comes with plenty of kit, is refined and capable enough to worry the opposition. If you’re a professional driver seeking reliable transport that will also impress customers, the Optima’s polished appearance and spacious cabin are major plus points.
This car summed up in a single word: Understated
If this car was a…: Pension plan, it would be a low risk policy delivering steady growth and a sizeable lump sum
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Kia Optima 2 1.7 CRDi, £22,695
Engine: 1.7-litre diesel unit producing 134bhp and 239lb/ft of torque
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels
Performance: Top speed 125mph, 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds
Economy: 57.6mpg combined
Emissions: 128g/km of CO2
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