Kia Optima review

Joel Helmes has filed this Kia Optima review.

It’s heartening to see that Australian’s are quickly waking up to the stunning brilliance of the Kia Optima.

Sales of the Kia Optima in April were up a staggering 190% on April 2011 and if more buyers give the Optima an opportunity to impress the sales figures will continue to rise rapidly.

Personally I find that very satisfying, it’s great to see a car that dares to be different is winning the hearts and minds of Australian buyers.

The Optima never feels like a car built to return a profit on the bottom-line, it feels like a car that Kia built to make a point.

And it’s a very important point – take us seriously.

Paul Maric and I named the Optima Platinum our 2011 car of the year and now after driving the base model Si I can report that it’s going to be tough to beat as the best car of 2012.

What makes it so good?

Well it’s simple; firstly it’s stunningly good looking.

I don’t normally judge cars on their looks but how can you not be impressed by the clean lines and overall attractiveness of the Kia Optima?

It’s a car that not only stands out from the crowd it puts the design of many cars worth three times as much to shame.

It’s just as impressive when you aren’t so superficial and judge it on its value for money credentials.

This is a roomy, full size sedan with only a tiny price tag.

The Kia Optima Si will set you back just over $30,000 and for that you get not only space but quality and even a premium feel throughout.

There’s plenty of leg room front and back, the boot is gigantic.

Inside the cabin you’ll find comfortable and supportive fabric and leather seats, a brilliantly laid out dashboard, lovely plastics and rubber materials used throughout the cabin, and a quality feel in the overall fit-out.

The gauges are brilliantly clear and well-designed and are highlighted by lovely chrome surrounds.

The climate control panel is attractive and easy to use.

You get a great sound system with USB and Aux inputs, Bluetooth, reversing camera in the rear-view mirror and plenty of generously sized storage areas.

On the road the Kia Optima is a delight.

Direct steering, lovely ride, great brakes…you will be scratching your head wondering how this car doesn’t cost a whole lot more.

Under the bonnet you’ll find a smooth and capable 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine which develops 148kW and 250Nm.

Fuel economy is a combined 7.9 litres per 100 and that is stunning in a car that’s not much smaller than a Falcon or Commodore.

The Optima comes standard with a smooth as silk six-speed auto.

So it looks great, it’s exceptionally well-priced, it’s economical, it drives beautifully, it’s extremely comfortable…why wouldn’t you buy it?

Check out the Kia Optima for yourself, you would be mad to not give it a look in if you’re in the market for a medium or large sized vehicle.

NUTS & BOLTS

Engine: 2.4 Litre four cylinder petrol – 148kW and 250Nm.

Transmission: 6 speed Auto.

Safety: No ANCAP rating yet but standard safety features include – ABS, Front, Side and Head Air-bags, ESC, Traction Control, and EBD.

Economy: Urban – 11.2L, Extra urban – 6.0L, Combined 7.9L

Price: $30,490