KIA OPTIMA GT
$ 48,900 DRIVE- AWAY 19.5 POINTS
VALUE
The Optima starts from $38,600 drive-away. In the Optima GT with 2.0-litre turbo, standard fare above the Camry SL includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and full-size alloy spare. Short service intervals of six months/7500km mean costly routine maintenance — $1575 for first three years. Warranty is industry-leading: seven years/unlimited kilometres.
DESIGN
It’s more understated than the Camry, as with most mid-size cars. The interior is roomy but can’t match the Toyota. Cabin layout is practical, if a little dated, but there are ample storage cubbies and centre console is a decent size. Outward vision is good even slightly tapered side windows. Boot is marginally smaller than the Camry’s but fits the full-size spare.
ENGINE
The turbo four (180kW/350Nm) might not sound like much but it has plenty of get-up-and-go. With a six-speed auto it clocks 6.8 seconds for 0-100km/h. It takes regular unleaded although exploiting that power is thirsty work (8.5L/100km). It may lack the V6’s character but has the oomph to match it.
SAFETY
Similar kit to the top-grade Camry: autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, front and rear sensors, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert and six airbags should the worst happen. The Optima has an up-to-date five-star ANCAP rating. The Camry and Optima are docked half a star from our rating due to a lack of rear-AEB and speed sign recognition.
DRIVING
This is a gem to drive. A minor suspension tweak was part of the update earlier this year. It feels light on its feet, composed over bumps, gripping with confidence thanks to sticky Michelin tyres. The brakes have a reassuring feel. Driving enthusiasts might not see themselves in an Optima but they would like the driving experience if they put bias aside.