Which one?
THE 1.6-litre CRDi engine is slightly less muscular than the 1.7 CRDi, but more refined and cleaner. The PHEV carries a big price premium that you may not recoup unless you plug in as frequently as possible.
No Optima is spartan, with even entrylevel 2 trim bringing 17-inch alloys, a seveninch touchscreen with sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing camera and dual-zone climate control. The Optima 3 adds 18-inch wheels, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel. An eight-inch display, 10-speaker hi-fi and upgraded instrumentation also feature.
The range-topping GT-Line S includes LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, leather, electric adjustment for both front seats, heated outer rear seats, smart parking, adaptive cruise control and keyless go.
Alternatives
CONSIDERING it’s in a fast-shrinking segment, the Optima is still up against plenty of very talented rivals. The most obvious is the Ford Mondeo, which offers masses of space and equipment with ready availability and excellent dynamics. The TRANSMISSION Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic gearbox
Vauxhall Insignia is also top value for money, plentiful and spacious, while the Mazda 6 is wonderful to drive, well equipped, has a superb interior and looks smart.
The Kia’s Hyundai i40 cousin doesn’t look quite as neat inside or out, but it’s also great value and roomy. All of these things apply to the Skoda Superb, which is a terrific car with limousine-like levels of interior space, although for some people it’s simply too big, which is why the Skoda Octavia might make more sense, along with its Volkswagen Passat cousin.
Verdict
THE Optima Mk2 was axed from Kia UK’s line-up earlier this year, but it is available in other markets, and there are a few unregistered cars in the dealer network.
Very soon this rather stylish family car will be history as far as UK buyers are concerned. That’s a shame because it offers a refreshing alternative to its more obvious rivals. The problem is that buyers now want SUVs instead of large saloons and estates. But if you prefer a large family car to an SUV, the Optima makes a lot of sense: it’s proving to be as reliable as you’d expect, and offers excellent value, too. And, while the model range is pretty limited, if there’s something that suits your then needs we reckon you’d be mad to overlook the Kia Optima.