MOTORS
by MIKE TORPEY
Y
OU can talk about the seven-year itch – but there’s precious little chance of car buyers becoming unfaithful to the Kia brand. Yes, seven years. A period in which the Korean company has changed the motoring world’s perception of its products in emphatic fashion. Models like the oddly named cee’d, the Venga, Sorento, Sportage sports utility vehicle, new generation Picanto city car and only last autumn the all-new Rio supermini have contributed to Kia’s relentless progress. Now there’s a new name to add to the list – and it has the style, kit and quality to seriously shake up both the fleet and family car scene. The Optima saloon goes on sale next month described by Kia design guru Peter Schreyer as having the clean, uncomplicated cut of a fine Italian suit. Even given car manufacturers’ tendency to overstate, Schreyer’s close to mark with his perception because the Optima does indeed boast a low-slung coupe-like stance that underlines Kia's shift to a design-driven brand. Add to that a tiger nose face with double honeycomb grille and daytime running lights, eye-catching alloys plus flared wheel arches and the Optima certainly possesses an air of distinction. With prices from £19,595 it is sure to have wide-ranging appeal. Not only did the model become its home market’s top selling car within a month of being launched, but in the US, Kia has had to build a new plant in Georgia to keep pace with demand. Kia makes no bones about the fact that in this country the Optima will be aimed squarely at the business market, the reason for it being sold only with a diesel engine – a new 134bhp version of the company’s 1.7-litre unit capable of returning a combined 57.6mpg. And an extensive test route around the major roads and villages of Hampshire proved that the engineers have completed a thorough job on making this car a vehicle far more than merely fit for purpose. Its ride and handling is both refined and agile, though there can be a hint of tyre noise, the six-speed manual transmission is slick, while the automatic is smooth whether the driver uses the fully auto mode or opts for paddle shift. The cabin immediately engages the occupants with its fascia tilted towards the driver and all major controls in the sight line aircraft-style, while there’s an upmarket feel to the multi-function steering wheel and interior in general. Slide the front seats fully back – or in the case of driver’s side, do it electronically – and there’s still enough space to swing a cat in the back. And despite the coupe-like shape, headroom is in no way compromised. For the traveller needing to pile
Edited by Mike Torpey
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M U M I T P O s ie il m fa d n a ts e e fl to l a e p p Kia will a
in boxes of samples or family packing in everyday paraphernalia, the boot is long and deep and the rear seats split and fold 60/40. In fact the only criticism of the Optima apart from its name sounding like kitchen spray concerns the artificial leather upholstery on some models.
Labelled 1, 2 and 3 for trim purposes, all grades are well specced up in a car that offers features not previously available on a Kia – includinga 12-speaker Infinity sound system, self parking, cornering lights and an automatic cabin de-fogging set-up. Mid-range models give buyers the
option of Tech – aimed at the fleets – or Luxe trim and equipment, though all cars come with the likes of air-con, high gloss alloys, Bluetooth, electric windows and cruise control. Safety measures see all Optimas feature emergency stop signalling, which rapidly flashes the brake
lights to warn following drivers, a full suite of airbags and ESP. Factor in Kia’s transferable seven-year warranty and buyers are getting a smart piece of kit, in a different class to predecessor the Magentis. The tricky bit will be the challenge from favourites like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia.