Kia Optima

The Optima saloon is Kia’s contribution to the mid-sized saloon segment. The Optima features a bold, athletic and sporty design, unseen in most Kia models. Kia’s product concept behind the creation of new Optima focused on four key areas. Stand-out Styling – a unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior, Excellent Performance – a competitive and more efficient engine with a six-speed transmission, Superior Packaging – new, longer wheelbase platform and Advanced Features – high-tech features to boost Optima’s status and Kia’s brand identity.

Kia Optima

Epic design

The Kia Optima’s smooth-flowing lines highlight distinct style of the saloon and offer a strong hint of European-style luxury. The saloon high-performance and elegant image are enhanced with its unique silhouette and sleek stance. The Optima’s striking face features Kia’s bold signature grillethat is flanked by projector-style headlamps. Lighting up the European-inspired design is striking front LED daytime lights. The longer-lasting Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps incorporate headlamp washers, plus a new static bending lamp which provides additional illumination during cornering. New fog lights, along with clear, newly designed LED rear lamps are fitted as well.

Distinct profile

The Kia Optima’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows from the A- to the C-pillars. Boldly flared wheel arches and a steeply sloping rear window create a saloon with a graceful muscular look. The vehicle's bold stance and aerodynamic shape are further accentuated by updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid. A full-width panoramic glass sunroof is available as an option. The front section tilts, the centre section slides and the rear is fixed. Inside, a roller blind blocks out the sun when needed. On the outside, the B- and C-pillar trims are finished in high-gloss black to complement the all-black framing of the roof. 

Innovative drive train

Behind the Kia Optima’s stunning grille is a 2.4 Theta II MPI power plant, which generates a maximum power output of 132 kW (177hp) at 6,000 rpm and 231 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Fitted with this engine, the Optima accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Fuel economy is pegged at 8.7 l/100 km. An ‘Active ECO System’ optimises the engine and the transmission to reduce fuel use whenever maximum performance is not required.

GDi power plant

This feature is activated by an on/off button on the steering wheel. Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission features two modes. There is ‘fully automatic’ or ‘Sports’. For comfortable everyday driving, ‘full automatic’ mode is ideal. The ‘Sport’ mode allows for clutch-less manual sequential gear changes for greater driver involvement, by either using the centre console selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted paddles. 

Agile suspension

The driver glides the Kia Optima on the road via a hydraulic power steering system. Compact, lightweight MacPherson Strut suspension is employed at the front, with off-set, side-load springs to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation for enhanced ride quality. An all-new, multi-link, fully-independent suspension system was engineered for the rear.

Rim design

It features dampers and coil springs, which are mounted separately to more effectively disperse input loads and to minimise intrusion into the cabin and trunk space. Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, with fine-tuned rubber bushes to help isolate the interior and its occupants from irregularities in the road surface. 

Safety

The Kia Optima is equipped with an all-disc braking system, backed up by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), and BAS (Brake Assist Systems). A host of active and passive are fitted in the Kia Optima. Active safety technologies that help Optima drivers to avoid potential accident situations include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TCS (Traction Control), BAS (Brake Assist), and a new HAC (Hill-start Assist Control). To assist drivers during reversing manoeuvres, two active systems are available. A back-warning sensor helps drivers to avoid contact with pedestrians and other vehicles, by triggering an audible warning whenever the Kia Optima is approaching an obstruction. 

Updated rear design

A rear-view camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror. The camera enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind spot immediately behind the car. Six airbags - dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags offer protection for all occupants. Active head restraints for the front seats protect occupants against whiplash injuries, in the event of an accident or sudden braking. Isofix child seat anchors protect small children in the event of a collision. 

Driver focused cockpit

Inside Optima, the styling echoes the dynamic aesthetics created by the exterior appearance. The centre console is contoured toward the driver, to produce a wrap-around cockpit feel, with precise gauges and controls for an overall sporty performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. A high centre console with a short gear shift lever adds to the cockpit ambience while paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel. The shapes of the centre console and centre armrest are also angled towards the driver. 

Lavishly equipped interior

The longer wheelbase and the extra interior width, ensure that all occupants of the Optima enjoy its spacious cabin. Driver comfort is enhanced by the adoption of a floor-hinged, organ-type accelerator pedal that allows smoothcontrol with reduced fatigue. Leather and woven cloth combination seat trim are standard. ‘Mood’ lights in the door trims and centre console bathe the interior in a red hue and foster a high-tech ambience. 

Comfort

Wood grain ‘look’ trim around the gear selector provide an elegant touch. The Kia Optima’s seats are generously proportioned to offer maximum support and comfort. Both front seats feature powered adjustment (driver 8-way with 2-way lumbar support/ passenger 4-way), and seat heating and ventilation for both the driver and passenger. The 60/40 folding rear seat backrests are standard and can be folded down for greater seating and cargo carrying versatility. Fully automatic, dual temperature control is standard. 

Aggressive front 

The Optima further features twin adjustable air vents in the back of the centre console, providing ventilation to rear seat occupants The Auto Defogging system monitors humidity and opacity of the windscreen before triggering the air-conditioning system,  to remove condensation and ‘de-fog’ the screen whenever necessary. Solar glass protects the interior from harmful UV rays and helps reduce cabin temperatures.

Equipment 

Activating the Optima's push button ignition brings two new displays to life: a 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and optional high-resolution 8-inch infotainment screen. An Infinity™ Premium Sound System with a 6-CD changer and 8 speakers beams clear sound inside the interior. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is standard.

Door silts

Storage space within the cabin includes the large glovebox (with cooling function), a large centre console, and four door pockets. Two large cup-holders are located (beneath a discreet slide-away cover) between the gear selector and the centre console, while the folding centre armrest in the rear seat has twin cup-holders. The centre stack houses a storage tray and the AUX, iPod and USB connections, while an overhead storage space is provided for sunglasses. 

Verdict

The Kia Optima present an impressive, well design and economical saloon that is nothing short of exceptional. The Kia Optima’s long wheelbase and striking interior detail offers rewarding comfort to both the driver and occupants.