Overview Mid-sized sedan looks more expensive
than it actually is
Pros Upscale cabin, heavily loaded with features
Cons Rear head room could be better
What would I change? A sports-tuned
exhaust for the turbo models
How would I spec it? The sportier turbo is
the way to go
Buckling
up, my hiking buddy Kath glanced appreciatively around the cabin while
searching out the buns-warmer switch.
“Another
one of your fancy press cars?” she asked.
“This,”
I said, “is a Kia.”
“Hmm.
Sure doesn’t look like one.”
Actually,
it does. The Optima
is typical of Kia‘s current
design language, from its tiger-nose grille to its European-influenced sheet
metal. That a product of a Korean automaker, once known for its cheap and
forgettable vehicles, could be mistaken for something more premium, is fitting
tribute to the man largely credited for the company’s transformation.
In
acquiring former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia clearly signalled its intent to
re-invent itself as a producer of high quality, feature-laden vehicles with
great styling. Thanks to some smart design decisions, the automaker went from
near-bankruptcy to becoming a front-runner in the span of a decade.
Probably
the best example of Kia’s
evolution, the U.S.-built Optima
is the company’s top-selling model. It’s a handsome sedan, a classic wedge
shape with crisply executed character lines. The front end is sharp, futuristic
and at this trim level, features a distinctive set of quad cluster LED driving
lights. On the front fenders are a pair of purely decorative, chrome-trimmed
vents and there are discreet touches of chrome on the door handles. Twin chrome exhaust tips mounted in a
diffuser-style fascia finish up the rear end.
While
the Optima competes in the
same mid-size sedan category as the Toyota Camry, the interior quality is more
on par with Lexus. It’s a clean, modern,
driver-centric environment, nicely executed and boasting details that are
suggestive of a much more expensive sedan.
There’s more stitched leather than you’d expect to find in this segment,
and it’s tastefully augmented with brushed metal trim.
Sports-style
bucket seats are comfortably supportive and are both heated and cooled. I was delighted with the steering wheel,
which could’ve been swiped straight out of an Audi TT. Wrapped in thick and grippy leather, the
flat-bottomed wheel, which featured the moulded thumb grips of a genuine sports
car. Surprisingly, however, it wasn’t
heated. Not that that’s an oversight in this segment (and it is available in
non-turbo models) – but it was present
on the humble Rio 5 I’d driven recently. However, the Optima redeemed itself with
another luxe touch – heated rear seats.
Two adults can ride comfortably with plenty of legroom, but that stylish
sweep of roofline cuts slightly into head room for taller passengers.
Clean
and organized, the centre stack houses an eight-inch infotainment screen system
that’s refreshing in its simplicity. My experience with these things generally
ends in expletive-filled exasperation. Other than some rather peculiar voice
command interpretation – which really, could be blamed on my diction, after
all, “Peterborough, Ontario” does sound quite a bit like “Dorval, Quebec” – we
got along without a hitch. Between the gauges, a 4.3-inch TFT screen displays
various audio and vehicle information. I particularly liked the solid feel of
the switchgear, and the fact that there wasn’t an overwhelming abundance of it.
That
sense of premium solidity carries over out on the road, where the Optima’s suspension
does an admirable job of delivering a quiet, well-damped ride. Perhaps too
quiet; you’d expect some hint of engine note or exhaust rumble from the
otherwise sporty variant of the lineup.
While it may not vocalize its performance, the Optima Turbo has no problem
with delivery. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 274 horsepower
– but more importantly, its 269 lb.-ft. of torque is available almost
immediately, making the Optima
very quick to respond.
Recently
added to all SX and SX Limited models is a new Drive Mode Select System that
let me toggle through Eco, Normal and Sport depending on whether I felt like
driving for fun, or making the most of my gas budget. Although I spent a lot of time in soft and
leisurely Eco, Sport mode’s quicker throttle response and weightier steering
made on-ramps slightly more interesting.
Calling it “exciting” would be a stretch, as it lacks the steering feel
and compelling exhaust note of a true performance sedan.
There’s
no shortage of good choices in the fiercely competitive mid-size segment, with
equally as many compelling reasons to choose them. The also-stylish Ford Fusion has the added
bonus of all-wheel-drive, the Toyota Camry, almost legendary reliability, and the Honda Accord, a
reputation for high resale value. For buyers who want sharp styling, plenty of
features and a premium look – without the premium price, the Kia Optima fits the bill
nicely. 
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