There comes a point in one’s life where practicality must trump the frivolous. Eventually, you drop the rock concert T-shirts for button-down business attire; perhaps the constant nights out with friends will be replaced with stay-in movies and a bottle of wine. And, especially when there’s a family to feed, transport and finance for college, one must not forget trading the quick little roadster for something a bit more roomy and economical.
But compromise doesn’t have to mean boring. You can get the base model of the Kia Optima mid-sized sedan, with its 200-horsepower inline four-cylinder; it’s a good-looking car, even muscular, and there’s room for four inside. Stepping up to its top-of-the-line SX 2.0T model will add a certain zip to life.
An extra $10,000 will get you a 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, and boy, do you feel the difference. Because of that twin-scroll turbocharger, there is 269 lb-ft of torque available at just 1,650 rpm, so there’s plenty of power right from the start with very little lag. Hold on to that leather-wrapped, D-shaped steering wheel as you hit the gas; the handling is firm, more so than the lower-model Optima, but still comfortable, and the steering feels crisp. It also delivers decent fuel economy based on this test around town and on the open road.
Practicality can be fun, and fun can also be practical. The Optima has roomy seats and a relatively spacious interior; the twin sunroofs, however, lower the roofline inside. Taller people in the front will have to lower their seats, while people in the back will suffer from constant noogies by the sloping ceiling. As well, some of the controls don’t fall well at hand; rolling down the auto windows requires contorting your wrist back for the switches.
But remember that extra cash over the base model? That’s not just for the engine; that also pays for a myriad of features inside and out, including full leather interior, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, those sunroofs, heated rear seats and a sat/nav-infotainment system so complicated it comes with not just a 136-page user’s manual but also a 72-page “quick reference” guide. Outside, it gets LED fog lights, gorgeous LED-speckled headlamps and neon-look rear lights for added jewellery.
Over all, the Optima SX 2.0T is a good choice; maybe not the top one in this segment, as even its sister car, the latest generation of the Hyundai Sonata, has a better ride and overall more luxury. But if the brawny styling is more appealing for you, then sometimes practicality should be judged on a sliding scale.
You’ll like this car if ... You have a family but still can’t bring yourself to throw away those rock ‘n’ roll T-shirts.
TECH SPECS
Base price: $24,795; as tested: $36,680
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy (litres/100km): 11.7/city; 7.7/highway, regular gas
Alternatives: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Altima
RATINGS
Looks: Muscular and upscale, the jewelled headlights and neon-look tail lamps make it look more expensive than it really is.
Interior: Nice materials, a sporty D-shaped steering wheel and comfortable seats make the cabin pleasant. Headroom can be improved, however.
Performance: The turbocharged engine has gads of torque at low speeds, and the Sport mode holds shifts longer for a more-than-just peppy ride.
Tech: This SX 2.0L model is loaded with features, including rain-sensing wipers, two sunroofs, rear parking sensors and even heated rear seats. The multimedia system can be a little complicated, however.
Cargo: At 437 litres, the trunk is slightly smaller than that of the Hyundai Sonata, but it’s still generous enough for a family’s luggage.
The Verdict
8.0
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