Test drive Kia Optima

• Video

Kia will come to Europe with the Optima next summer, after it went on sale in South Korea mid-year and in America a month ago.

As this new beauty of Kia sparked a special curiosity with its shape, we were given the opportunity to get acquainted with the American version of the Optima. The experiment took place on sunny roads in California, Los Angeles and Irvine. Where Kia also has an American headquarters and design studio.

As a tin beauty, Optima was delighted for a reason. He also convinces while driving. Kii and she

to the head of the design department Peter Schreierew managed to create an example of a car from the upper middle class that will convince many buyers who still had a Passat, Mondeo, Insignia, Avensis, Accord or Mazda6 in their purchase plans.

Under the hood of the tested Optima, the rest worked 2-liter four-cylinder, capable of accommodating about 200 (American) "horses". Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the car is well suited to American driving style.

Not the fastest reaction of the engine to gas pressure is due to the automatic transmission, which is made mainly according to the requirements of American customers. They worship comfort more than toxic acceleration.

It is, however, a commendable American more comfortable adaptation. soft suspension, which really takes into account the slightly more pronounced lean of the Optima's body during fast turns, which means that it "swallows" all the bumps in the Californian roads.

It also gives a good steering feel. Although this is a modern electromechanical support system, the driver receives enough messages from under the wheels, and is also quite precise in handling.

Also very convincing inside... The ergonomics in the cockpit are exemplary, everything seems to be like the German model. Three sensors in one plane are complemented by three ventilation slots and an information display (touchscreen) in the center of the dashboard as an extension of the center console.

Numerous control buttons on the (perfectly gripping) steering wheel do not interfere either, since they are located quite logically. The gear shift lever (though automatic transmission) is in the right place.

They seemed interesting and tasty. combinations of different colors interior trim (darker parts of the dashboard and lighter seat covers). The spaciousness of the passenger compartment is exemplary, too, with ample knee room for taller rear passengers.

With a boot capacity of over 500 liters, the Optima also meets the needs of the family.

Of course, it will take about half a year before we can drive European versions of the Optima. But for now, she's already drooling at the first impression. But Kia (also with Optima) proves that it is fast approaching much more respected car brands.

First-hand: chief designer of Kiev Peter Schreier

Car showroom: The Optima's design is amazing, giving the observer the impression that this car is much larger than it actually is.

Schreyer: Above all, we tried to give the Optima a sense of elegance. At the same time, the appropriate proportions were emphasized in its form. We also tried to achieve a smooth ride by moving the engine section and trunk into the cabin. In the case of front-wheel drive vehicles, this is sometimes more difficult to achieve because we have to leave more space in the front due to the engine mounted in front of the front axle. But with skillful design, the integrity of the entire building can be found.

Car showroom: But how do you define Kia's signature look with a headlight and mask?

Schreyer: Kia is not a premium brand where all of its models can be pretty much the same. Therefore, we use common elements, but in different models they only try to indicate that they are the same brand and the model should at least have its own expression.

Car showroom: Will the four-door sedan be the only body version for the Optima?

Schreyer: Considering how good customer reviews Optima has received in the domestic market and in America, it may very soon be that we will be building it somewhere else, and not just in the South Korean plant. If yes, then another version is also possible - a caravan prepared by us.

Tomaž Porekar, photo: institute