There's
plenty to like about the refreshed Kia
Optima,
including its stylish appearance and the plentiful space inside the vehicle.
For a
mid-sized saloon, the car didn't feel to dent the wallet too badly in terms of
fuel consumption, with its 1.7 diesel engine providing enough power to move
along at a decent speed without being too fuel-thirsty.
In a
crowded marketplace, the Optima
is a high-spec, value for money alternative to the mainstream opposition. The
latest mild refresh of a car that has been around for a few years ensures it
has remained competitive in a market populated by more expensive and long
established rivals.
The Optima is easy on the eye,
boasting striking looks and clean lines.
There
have been some subtle tweaks to the car’s nose and tail, with a more
comprehensive update inside and under the skin.
There’s
also 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.
The Optima is easily capable of
munching the motorway miles and distancing the driver from poorly surfaced
roads.
During
a trip to East Yorkshire to visit my cousin John, I was impressed by the
smoothness of the vehicle on the motorway, while the quietness of the cabin
made for a refined driving experience.
John, a
businessman who regularly travels up and down the motorway to appointments, was
impressed by the refinement of the vehicle and noted that the1.7 engine seemed
the cope adequately under acceleration with the weight of the lengthy vehicle.
And
it's also true to say that the sharp-suited Optima has nothing to fear in the
company car park, with the car’s decidedly European styling cues sitting
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.
And
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 at a time when it was keen
to build confidence among buyers at the start of its big European sales push
many years ago.
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 size 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.
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.
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.
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 of the privilege. Either way, the Optima comes with plenty of kit, is
refined and capable enough to worry the opposition. And if you’re a professional
driver seeking reliable transport that will also impress customers, the
Optima’s polished appearance and spacious cabin are a major plus points.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi, £24,495
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
Will's Ratings
PERFORMANCE: 4
ECONOMY: 4
RIDE/HANDLING:
4
SPACE: 5
EQUIPMENT: 3
SECURITY: 4
VALUE: 4
OVERALL: 4
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