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OPTIMA IS READY TO DO BATTLE ; KIA OPTIMA SALOON [Herald, The (Plymouth, England)](Herald, The (Plymouth, England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) KIA'S Optima has been around for a few years, and its latest mild refresh ensures that the Korean firm's mid-size saloon stays competitive in a crowded marketplace. There's much to like about the Optima; it's a stylish car and its bold corporate look is striking without detracting from the rest of its clean lines. Subtle tweaks to the car's nose and tail hide a more comprehensive update inside and under the skin. Improvements to overall refinement have resulted in a quieter cabin, while there's more standard and optional kit available. Kia's following the trend for the inclusion of smarter safety technology, such as blind spot and lane departure warning kit. The sharp-suited Optima has nothing to fear in the company car park. The car's decidedly European styling cues sit comfortably with the less adventurous looks of many of its rivals. Confidence plays a big part in the ownership experience, which is why Kia has scored highly in recent years with its generous seven- year warranty. It's an unusual yet welcome sales tactic, and has done wonders for the brand's image when it was building confidence among buyers at the start of its big European sales push many years ago. A large saloon like the Optima is designed from the outset to be accommodating, and the four-door Kia doesn't disappoint. Although the main focus is on front seat occupants, there's also ample room in the back for business associates or the family. The car's generous sized boot is also a big plus and the cabin isn't short of useful oddment storage options, making it an ideal environment for road warriors and their clutter. Kia has worked to ensure the Optima delivers a refined and soothing driving experience, ready to rival the products of the established European players. It's largely paid off, with the Optima easily capable of munching the motorway miles and distancing the driver from poorly surfaced roads. The sole 1.7- litre diesel engine option delivers a strong performance, and remains reasonably quiet when pushed hard. In its refreshed state, boasting more kit and visibly higher quality levels, the Optima offers budgetsavvy buyers a credible alternative to the wares of the more established brands. With its sensible economy and emissions ratings, plus that allimportant seven-year warranty, the Optima makes a lot of sense for both private buyers and company car users. If you're downsizing from a larger luxury car yet keen to retain your much-loved creature comforts, Kia's Optima is worth a serious look. That's also true if you want to move up in the world but don't fancy paying big bucks for the privilege. Either way, the Optima comes with plenty of kit, is refined and capable enough to worry the opposition. Iain Dooley MODEL Kia Optima PRICE Pounds 22,695 FUEL ECONOMY 57.6mpg CO2 128 g/km LATEST CAR REVIEWS plymouthherald.co.uk MAIN DEALER Rodgers of Plymouth (Brixton Rd) 01752 402623 www.rodgersofplymouth.co.uk (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |