Road test: Kia Optima 2 Tech - Kia’s Optima illusion
Kia Optima. Photo supplied
THE telling thing about the first look at the flagship Optima saloon is the tendency to look again at the badge.
That the name on the boot lid is Kia is not an illusion, but both a testament to the maker’s intent to tackle the D-segment market, to take on the likes of the Insignia, Passat and Mondeo, as well as make a statement about Kia’s development and rapid progress.
According to a company spokesman, Kia will continue to build its design-driven brand in the UK over the coming year.
And it is in design that Kia has raised the bar considerably to achieve what is a stylish product not seen before from the Korean stable. A number of awards internationally highlights the point.
Vastly superior, and longer, lower and wider than previous D-segment car Magentis, the Optima also has a longer wheelbase and coupé-like profile emphasised by its high waistline and chrome arch. Bold, flared wheel arches give it a hint of muscularity, and it comes with a wealth of LEDs.
It’s a class act before you even step inside.
Cabin side, it’s a desirable place in which to spend your time when on the open road.
Quasi premium, perhaps a tad short of Passat standard, but excellent quality nonetheless with its soft surfaces and all-round roominess. There’s a big boot as well.
Top-model of three trim levels – 1, 2 and 3 – include four heated seats, a cooled driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, reversing camera, leather upholstery, a self-parking system and a high-end Infinity stereo system.
The flagship Optima, available only as a saloon, is unashamedly pitched squarely at the business user where Kia anticipates 80 per cent of yearly sales of some 1,500 units will find a home.
Those figures represent a drop in the ocean for Kia’s projected overall 60,000-plus UK sales in 2012, but will help expand its presence in corporate land where it grew 145 per cent last year.
A one-engine only option - the same 1.7-litre, 134bhp diesel unit as in sister firm Hyundai’s i40 - buyers will be predominantly opting for the six-speed manual version.
Company accountants are sure to approve it for staff given its compellingly attractive figures.
Its average fuel economy of 57.6mpg should be achievable – on a relatively drive at launch I was able to clock up 53mpg – and the CO2 reading of 128g/km is competitive.
That is on top of a value on-the-road purchase price of £21,695 for both versions of the 2, and, of course, there is the now-famed seven-year warranty.
The best sellers of a very well kitted-out model will be the 2 Tech and the 2 Luxe.
The fleet-biased Tech version rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, is bedecked in black cloth and artificial leather upholstery, and is fitted with touchscreen sat nav and the high-end Infinity premium sound system with 12 speakers.
In Luxe, the Optima rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, features leather upholstery with cloth trim, a panoramic sunroof, reversing camera system and Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming.
On the road, the Optima, though it is a large car, is easy to drive thanks to quick, accurate steering whose electric power assistance feels natural.
The optional 18-inch wheels make it feel firm over bumps, but you don’t have to spec them.
The ride is otherwise comfortable and well damped. Just the business for the business user.
The Optima is a desirable and highly capable car. A brilliant buy for the money.
Fact file
- Model: Kia Optima 2 Tech.
- Price on the road: £21,695.
- Drivetrain: 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine developing 134bhp at 4,000rpm and torque of 239lb ft from 2,000rpm to 2,500rpm.
- Performance: 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, and maximum speed 125mph.
- Economy: Combined 57.6mpg. CO2 128g/km.
- Size: Length 4,845mm, width 1,830mm, height 1,455mm.
- Insurance: Group 17.
- Warranty: Seven years/100,000 miles.
- Local dealer: Boongate Kia, Newark Road, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 344344.
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