Kia Optima 2016, first drive and road test in Madrid

2015 has been -is being- a great year for the Korean brand KIA. A few weeks ago we attended the presentation of the renewed Cee´d, and now we discover its latest novelty.

We are talking about the Optima, a saloon that is being renewed and that offers increasingly premium sensations, standing out from its rivals with a design that, at the very least, does not bore.

The Korean brand, owned by the giant Hyundai, is having a sweet 2015 in Spain. At the beginning of the year we attended the presentation of the new generation of the Sorento, where sales figures of 40,000 units for the whole of 2015 were being considered. By the end of November that figure had already been exceeded, which means it will finally reach 44,000 units, an increase of roughly 10% over initial forecasts.

Furthermore, for 2016 the brand has a good batch of novelties prepared, with the launch of two restyles and four new models, among which are the new generation of the Sportage and the Niro, a completely new hybrid SUV. The Optima is also being renewed with a new generation that will reach dealerships in mid-January 2016, and which we have already been able to test on the roads of the Spanish capital.

Exterior design

The exterior design of the Optima has been completely renewed. However, the redesign has been applied in such a way that the previous generation -launched in our country in 2012- does not look particularly aged. It is also true that it is not a model seen everywhere, which helps maintain its freshness for the consumer.

The front changes with the introduction of the new grille, the brand’s signature, with more attractive headlights that, depending on the version, may feature bi-xenon technology and intelligent lighting. The lower air intake is also modified, and it now houses the front fog lights, with LED technology.

The side profile does retain the proportions of the previous generation, with a gently sloping roofline that helps offer a more than decent interior space for the second row of seats. The third window, until now inserted in the rear door, moves to sit on the C-pillar. New 16″, 17″ and 18″ alloy wheels are offered.

At the rear we find a sportier look thanks to LED rear lights and a sharper design. The bumper also changes its shape, although the exhaust outlet is kept both in form and in position. Nine body colours are offered, one solid and eight pearlescent.
The new Optima measures 4.85 metres long, 1.465 metres high and 1.86 metres wide, with a wheelbase that increases to 2.8 metres.

Interior design

Inside, the changes are even more evident. It is true that the dashboard is still oriented towards the driver, but the design is completely new. The basic lines are now more horizontal, creating a more pleasant sense of depth. Both the climate control and the audio system are better positioned than before, and easier to use.

The increase in quality is palpable from the moment you open the door. The materials used have stepped up a notch, being now more pleasant both to look at and to touch. Soft plastics abound on both the dashboard and the doors, combined with other trims such as black lacquered plastic or leather. Even the feel of the dials, buttons and levers has improved, as has the insulation. KIA has made a great effort.

Interior space is more than sufficient in both the front and the second row, where we also find a surprisingly generous legroom. Headroom is also adequate for the segment average. In the boot we find a wide loading aperture, which gives access to a 510-litre cargo space.

Driving dynamics

The unit we were able to test was fitted with the only engine available to date, a 1.7 CRDi with 141 CV and 340 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that can be optionally purchased for €2,000. The standard one is a 6-speed manual gearbox. It offers a good compromise between smoothness and consumption (4.2 litres on the homologated combined cycle), although performance is not its strong point. Furthermore, having only one engine in the range leaves it at a clear disadvantage compared with its rivals, who offer a wider range.

The gearbox stands out, of its own design and manufacture. Its operation is excellent, on a par with the best in the segment, with very quick gear changes. It features a sport mode that keeps the engine speed always within the peak torque range to obtain the greatest possible thrust.

The chassis has stepped up, it is now stiffer and responds better to changes of direction. The steering offers just the right level of assistance, although its feel is not especially precise. It is not particularly agile, although it defends itself surprisingly well on winding roads.

Versions and equipment

The Optima will be offered in our country with three trim levels, plus another closed one aimed at companies. The entry point to the range is called Concept, and already offers all the basic equipment for both safety and comfort, with items such as 7 airbags, ISG (Start&Stop), a 7″ display satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, among others.

The intermediate level is called Drive, and adds 17″ wheels, LED rear lights, lane keeping assist system, xenon headlights, mixed cloth and leather upholstery and front and rear parking sensors, among others.

Finally, the Emotion level is offered, with additional elements such as a sunroof, an audio system signed by Harman&Kardon, leather upholstery, front and rear seats with heating, or keyless entry and start system. As an option, the Luxury pack can be purchased (at an extra cost of €2,000), which adds a 360º camera system, adaptive cruise control, a wireless phone charger and emergency braking assist system, among others.
Prices, including discounts, start at €21,704, reaching €31,554 for the most expensive version.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso