Optima Primed

Takes to the road in the latest version of Kia’s mid-sized saloon, the Optima

The new Optima doesn’t look a great deal different to the previous model with the most significant changes reserved for the areas that needed it most.

The tiger nose grille now sits between larger wraparound headlight units that have been pulled taught over the blistered front arches while at the rear the boot rises, spoiler-like, and the expansive bumper flows into a diffuser section where the chrome-tipped exhaust emerges.

The rear lights – LED on most models – mirror those at the front, wrapping around to blend into the arches at the back.

It is 10mm longer – all between the wheels – 25mm wider, 10 mm taller and, perhaps most significantly, 50 per cent stiffer thanks to the greater use of high strength steel. It’s also more aerodynamic.

Inside it’s clear that efforts have been made to enhance the cabin ambience. Soft, tactile plastics are used everywhere you’re likely to see or touch – but not, it should be noted, in places you’re not – while the quality of the controls has been improved.

The passenger space is functional, and ergonomically sound, but a little more flair wouldn’t go amiss. The inclusion of a leather steering wheel and gearshift as standard does give it a little lift but you’ll have to splash out on a top-spec car to get leather seats as well.

Speaking of seats, the faux leather ones in my ‘3’ spec test car were very comfortable and supportive, as was the rear bench. Legroom in the back is excellent but the sloping roofline does impact on headroom.

There are plenty of little cubby holes and storage compartments – including a cooled glovebox – around the cabin, and they’re all of decent size.

Equipment levels are very generous, with all models coming with alloy wheels, seven-inch touchscreen with sat nav, reversing camera, dual zone climate control, cruise control, auto dimming mirrors and seat height adjustment.

My test car added lane keeping assistance, an eightinch touchscreen and a 10-speaker, 590-watt Harmon Kardon sound system.

Under the bonnet you’ll find the familiar 1,7-litre diesel, producing 139bhp and 340Nm of torque. Peak torque also arrives a very useful 250rpm sooner, at 1,750rpm. If you want a petrol-powered version the only option is the hybrid which pairs an electric motor with a 202bhp 2.0-litre unit.

Start the diesel and you’ll be greeted with that all-toofamiliar, but appreciatively distant, diesel rattle. The only other time you’ll be reminded you’re driving an oil burner is under heavy acceleration but, again, it’s appreciatively muted. There’s also very little wind noise to speak of.

While the diesel does pull meaningfully from just 1,250rpm the sprint – more of a stroll, really – to 62mph takes 9.7 seconds.

The suspension errs towards the firm side and it remains nice and flat through corners, with good body control.

The new Optima is an undoubted improvement on the previous model. It’s goodlooking, very well-equipped, spacious and drives reasonably well. It does no one thing brilliantly, but it does do everything well.

You do get a lot of car for your money – and it comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty of course – and that’s a very good reason to add the Optima to your shopping list.