Test drive Kia Optima: Optimal solution

With its attractive looks, the new Kia Optima confidently welcomes established mid-range players. Let's see what the technological analogue of the Hyundai i40 is capable of.

The Kia Optima is one of the most modern cars in its class, but it's not really a new thing on the market. The two-year-old model is sold in its native South Korea under the designation K5, the Americans have also already appreciated the elegant five-seat sedan. Now the car is going to the Old Continent to dive into the waters of the middle class, which, as we well know, is infested with sharks in these latitudes, and this circumstance, in turn, does not positively facilitate the mission of the Koreans.

What's in the trunk

The main culprit behind the attractive appearance of this Kia is from Germany and often wears sunglasses: his name is Peter Schreier, he previously worked in the design departments of VW and Audi. Although the rear of the Optima has a noticeably slanted shape, the boot lid is in the style of a classic sedan. Thus, the clearance up to the 505-liter cargo compartment is surprisingly small, and some details in the trunk itself, for example, its uncushioned upper part with freely hanging speakers in the audio space, does not leave a very good impression of quality. Folding down the rear seat backrests gives a cargo space of up to 1,90 m.

The space behind the wheel and the ability to find a comfortable position is absolutely sufficient even for people two meters tall. The heavily upholstered, electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats are rapturously high for improved visibility. As you might guess, the listed "extras" are the priority not of the basic configuration, but of the top model, which in Germany is called Spirit, and in our country - TX. The equipment line in question comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, an 11-channel audio system, xenon headlights, a rearview camera, a parking assistant, a keyless entry system and cruise control.

Time to go

The 1,7-horsepower 136-liter engine is triggered by a button, and its distinct metallic thumping sound clearly indicates that it operates on the principle of self-ignition. For now, the only powertrain alternative is the two-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, which, however, will not be available until summer. For now, let's take a look at the 1.7 CRDi version with an automatic transmission. The latter is a typical representative of the old school and is distinguished by smooth start-up and soft gear shifting, but engine speed is not always proportional to the position of the accelerator pedal.

The maximum torque of 325 Nm is available from 2000 rpm. Traction is comparable to two-liter competitors, but in general, the level of revolutions is higher than theirs. In terms of acoustics and vibration, there is room for improvement - the CRDi is one of the vocal representatives of its kind and at the same time vibrates a lot at idle.

Calm running

Of course, this does not prevent Optima from calmly and confidently driving on country roads. The electromechanical power steering system works with satisfactory accuracy and does not stumble over nervousness or sluggishness - i.e. his pitch falls into the "golden mean" column. Maneuvering in tight spaces is no problem, the rear-view camera does a great job, and for the more timid, there's an automatic parking assistant. The coupe-like body shape, of course, makes it difficult to see from behind, but this is a typical drawback of almost all modern models of this class.

Reviews about the chassis are also positive - regardless of the 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires, the Optima rides comfortably, passes tightly through small and large bumps and does not bother passengers with unnecessary shocks and shaking. Unlike its predecessors, the Kia Optima promises a sporty driving experience. Here the ambition is partially justified - the ESP system intervenes decisively and decisively, which is actually good for safety, but to some extent kills the craving for dynamic driving.

View from the inside

The Optima driver is surrounded by an elegant ambience with a subtle futuristic touch. Some functional elements are discreetly finished with chrome, in some places the dashboard is upholstered in eco-leather, the lettering on the buttons is clear and transparent. Only the buttons to the left of the steering wheel are harder to see, especially at night. The dials of the round controls are excellent, the color screen of the on-board computer does not pose any problems. The infotainment touchscreen display is also a worthy example with its user-friendly menus and intuitive control logic.

The comfort of the rear seats is surprisingly good, there is also plenty of room - the legroom is impressive, the descent and ascent are as easy as possible, only the height space seems slightly disturbed by the presence of a glass panoramic roof. All of these are good prerequisites for long and smooth transitions - the same can be said for the high mileage per charge, which is the result of a combination of a large 70-liter tank and a moderate fuel consumption of 7,9 l / 100 km. It remains to be seen if this compelling set of qualities, combined with a seven-year warranty, can beat the sharks that traditionally inhabit Europe's middle-class waters.

text: Jorn Thomas

Evaluation

Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi TX

Behind the attractive appearance is a middle class car at a good, but not quite top level. Optima is spacious inside, safe handling and extravagant standard furniture. There are some trade-offs between workmanship and ergonomics, and the combination of a diesel engine and an automatic transmission can be presented more convincingly.

technical details

Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi TX
Working volume	-
Power	136 k.s.
Maximum torque	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	11,2 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	39 m
full speed	197 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,9 l
Base Price	58 116 levov