OPTIMA GT REDEFINES S. KOREAN SEDAN

THE third generation Kia Optima is a D-Segment sedan that has changed the perceptions of South Korea-made cars.

Cars made in South Korea are no longer the cheaply made versions of yesteryears, with poor build quality.

In fact, Kia has hired European rivals’ world-renowned designers and engineers to make impressive and reOptima liable cars.

We tested the GT, which is a testimony of the leaps and bounds that Kias has achieved in design and engiOptima neering. Kia GT is the bocharged petrol -speed automategnine produc- es 242hp at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,400rpm.

Kia claims that the Optima GT can dash from rest to 100kph in 7.4 seconds, and has a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100km.

Measuring at 4,855mm in length, 1,860mm in width, 1,465mm in height and weighing in at†1,650kg, the Optima GT has 510 litres of boot space and a 70-litre fuel tank capacity.

The locally-assembled Optima GT is equipped with adaptive LED headlights with daytime running lights, Qi wireless charger, keyless smart entry with push start button, LED taillights, rear diffuser, twin oval-shaped exhaust tips, 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjusted front seats with memory function for the driver and dual-zone climate control system with clean air ioniser.

Other equipment include leather upholstery, digital sound generator, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, rear air-conditioning vents, 4.3-inch multi-info instrument cluster, seven-inch touchscreen display, sunroof, sunshade for the rear windows and infotainment system with navigation function.

Safety wise, the Optima GT is fitted with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera and isofix child seat points.

The Optima GT is priced at RM179,888 inclusive of insurance, six per cent GST and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.