Kia Optima

Introduction

Asian car brands have always been known for their afford-ability and reliability, and following these footsteps KIA motors has come up with a mid-size four-door sedan named KIA Optima. It features a much sleeker and sportier profile designed by the new KIA designer Peter Schreyer, who has also designed Audi's 2-door car known as TT. For the first time, this model will be using the Optima name worldwide, where the Magentis name had been used previously. It has been manufactured by KIA motors since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

As it is embedded with a 2.4-litre theta II gas engine, this car can really pick up very well, making overtaking easy. It may not be fiercely powered as the V6 engines of other executive cars, but it manages well. It has a maximum power of 180 PS at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 231 Nm at 4000 rpm and comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission. The Optima is also fixed with a shift lock and paddle shift which makes gear changing easy. As predicted, it came from 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.5 seconds and with the fuel economy of 11.48 kmpl you can definitely save your bucks, while riding it economically.

Exteriors

In the case of Optima, KIA has made no compromise while making its exteriors look like the expensive European cars unlike its previous cars which looked more of a bit on the cheaper side. The dimensions of the car comes to 4845 mm x 1830 mm x 1445 mm (L x W x H) and a wheelbase of 2795 mm. It has integrated 18 inch alloy wheels with tires measuring 225/45/R18. The Optima is dynamism personified with sharply styled front end which is further refined by the signature KIA radiator grille and bezel frame lights. The high-tech rear lamps and reflectors emphasize the elegant visual flow while the oval shaped, chrome tipped exhaust pipes put a significance on its power. It also has LED daytime running lights, gull wing folding outside mirrors and chrome outside door handles which are both eye-catching and durable.

Interiors

As soon as you slide into the car, you will notice that everything is driver oriented from the center fascia angled towards the driver to the ergonomic buttons on the steering wheels. Its leather seats comes in three options to choose from that are beige two-tone, gray two-tone and black monotone. With a 505 litre boot space it does well in comfort and luxuries by providing a relatively big space at the back. On the top it has sunglass storage with dual map lamps and a panoramic sunroof that helps you to open up and get closer to the sky. Other striking features of the Optima are 60:40 split fold down rear seats, a dedicated 5.5-inch touchscreen and bluetooth connectivity and auto cruise control.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

As far as the safety is concerned, KIA never compromises and even this time it has done the same. It has larger disc brakes that are attached to the allow wheels to provide powerful braking and sporty appearance as well. Following its tradition KIA has integrated this car with electronic stability control (ESC) that regulates the engine torque and apply braking force to each wheel in case you apply brake suddenly in some situations. Its smart and intelligent front safety power windows automatically stop and wind down if it sense an obstacle in their way when being raised.

Verdict

It proves to be one of the best cars that South Korea has sent to Philippines. The car feels like a fun sports car disguised as an executive car. All in all this car is definitely a bargain as compared to other brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.