Car Reviews > Kia > Optima > Kia Optima Car Review

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Optima range PRICES: from £18,000 - on the road [est] INSURANCE GROUPS: 20-26 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: [1.7 VGT] 113-122g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.7 VGT] 0-60mph 10.5s / Max Speed 125mpg [est] FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.7 VGT] 50mpg (combined) [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / full length curtain airbags / ABS / front seat active head rests WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4845/1830/1455

Optima: Sporty Inspired Saloon

Anyone who has been paying attention to the car industry knows that Kia has been making strides across the board to become a car that sells well in all markets across the globe. The Korean automaker has always been known for delivering small cars that were economical. They have even found some successes in the small SUV and MOV lines, but as a whole Kia has never delivered a must have sedan. This has all changed with the recent addition of the Optima to the Kia line-up for cars.

The Kia Optima is a completely new car for the Korean auto manufacturer. This is not some redesign and re-branding of an older vehicle, it is in fact a blank page design. Kia initially introduced this car exclusive to the Korean market where it became the best-selling car in the country. But often what sells in Asian doesn't translate to sales in other markets of the western world. In order to create a sedan that would sell in the UK, the US and Asia, Kia hired former Audi designer Peter Schreyer to create cars that would be wanted the world over. Kia also took input on the design of the Optima from design teams in Germany and California.

On the outside the Kia Optima is a slick looking machine that may have defined European styles the hint at other carlines, but it is strikingly unique in the overall concept. It may borrow from the German designer's past with Audi, but it sits somewhere between classic Kia and classic style period. A sleek front end leads to a large windscreen that makes the front of the car very imposing indeed.

Of course good-looks on the outside mean nothing if the car doesn't deliver under the bonnet. Kia is offering the Optima with one petrol powered engine choice and one diesel fueled power plant. Both engines come with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

The petrol engine choice comes in the form of a 2.0-litre four cylinder with variable valve lift. This engine runs off 168bhp and 196NM of torque. The Optima is offered with a 1.7-litre diesel power option that uses a variable geometry turbocharger. Of course the horsepower is a little lower than the petrol with only 134bhp, but the torque is higher at 330NM.

Drive quality of the Kia Optima is nothing short of brilliant for a car in this class and price level. Kia has equipped the Optima with fully independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and twin tube gas-filled shocks. There is also an anti-roll stabliser bar placed in the front to help keep the car steady at any speed. The power steering is very responsive and offers a tight turning radius is 11m.

Kia has also paid close attention to making sure that the cool exterior style is complimented by an upscale feel on the inside. The design team is created a very sporty look to the dashboard that is very driver friendly. All the buttons and gadgets are made with great care to work smoothly.

That rumble you just heard was all the other sedan makers realizing that they need to step up their games if they want to compete with the likes of the Kia Optima. Kia has delivered a superior quality sedan for the first time in their history.

by Autoweb