Sunday, May 17, 2015

Car Review: 2015 Kia Optima SX Turbo

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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