Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 57.6
CO2: 128
0-62 Mph: 10.2 secs
BHP: 134 BHP
Range: 887 miles
PROS: The Optima is a well priced family saloon that has plenty of space and has a few stylish touches too, and includes a panoramic roof and is also supplied with a good warranty package.
CONS: The purchase price for this model is significantly more than for the basic model, and the ride is too unsettled to ever be comfortable with an interior trim that is disappointing.
When it comes to buying a family saloon car one of the most important features of all is the comfort of the passengers, but unfortunately the ride quality in the Optima is poor, with the suspension unsettled on all but the smoothest surface. There is plenty of grip while cornering, and the steering is accurate, but it does feel a little short of feedback. Inside the cabin the driving position is fine offering adjustment for the steering wheel and the driving seat, but rear visibility isn’t as good as it should be.
The performance delivered by the 1.7 litre diesel engine isn’t too shabby, with the acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in 10.2 seconds. However, it is worth noting that it does feel a little slow to respond to the accelerator in the middle range. The top speed of 125mph is plenty for motorway driving, but the refinement in the cabin is also poor, with road noise being particularly audible.
The distinctively shaped grille and headlight cluster makes for an interesting front end that is really quite attractive, with the air intake and fog lights on the low bumper complementing this well. The lines are sleek and the roof doesn’t sacrifice too much headroom as it slopes towards the boot door. Inside the cabin the car isn’t so impressive, with the trim being disappointing and the quality of the plastics not quite matching that to be found in some rivals.
The level of equipment included with this version is quite reasonable, with alloy wheels complementing the look of the car, and an electric panoramic sunroof being a high quality touch. The leather heated seats have power controls for adjustment, and the cruise control does make the car a little more civilized on the motorway for long journeys.
One aspect in which the Optima does do well is in terms of its practicality, with plenty of room for five people without feeling too squashed, although it does take four people very comfortably. The boot is also quite large giving plenty of luggage space. The reliability record of Kia isn’t particularly good, with drivers reporting an average score in terms of driver surveys on this point.
One plus point with the Optima is that does come with a good range of safety equipment, including stability control and traction control to help ensure the car stays firmly on four wheels and pointing in the right direction at all times. There are also airbags included to look after occupants in the front and rear of the car, but it is worth noting that the car is yet to undertake an Euro NCAP safety test.
With a list price of £21,695, there is no doubt that the Optima is a saloon car that has been priced to be cheaper than many of its rivals, but it is also fair to say that it is possible to see where a few corners have been cut.
The running costs for the Optima are really quite competitive, with the 1.7 litre diesel engine able to deliver fuel efficiency figures of an average 57.6mpg. The insurance group for the car is also quite low, meaning that premiums should be reasonable, but Kia cars do tend to suffer with disappointing resale values. The car is supplied with an impressive seven year or a hundred thousand mile warranty, and also comes with roadside breakdown assistance for the first year.
Many of the Optima’s rivals prove to be much more comfortable and practical cars than the Kia, but they can also prove to be a lot more expensive, so this car is often considered for budgetary reas...
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