Kia Optima Sportswagon
The Kia Optima is a very tasty looking estate car. Don't stop reading because it’s an estate car. These really are the forgotten gems with the mad rush to Crossovers/SUVs – Crossuv’s if you like. Previously, when it was space you required you chose an estate. Now we go for Crossuv’s. If you wanted a non-booted car you used to go for an estate before the hatchback and crossovers arrived. Yet they are still made. And in Europe sales of estates make up a huge percentage of all sales. I'm a huge fan. I like the mix of car comfort and space. The estate incorporates the space above a conventional boot into the car and in some cases make the car look sleeker and better. The Peugeot 508 SW is a particular case in point.
It has taken Kia some time to produce the Optima Estate as it was not available when the first model came to Ireland. With the arrival of the all new Optima we now get an estate. Well we get a Sportswagon actually because estate isn't trendy enough. All the car companies do it now as the list of choices of words to replace estate grows. Regardless, it has arrived - what is it like?
Looks wise it is quite striking. It has that new chrome effect grille that is spreading everywhere and in my white test model the lines look very sharp and sleek. The car has a single exhaust at the back and the vanity in me would have liked a second one for balance – even if it was one of those purely cosmetic ones on some other cars I won’t mention.
I was impressed, overly impress actually, with the amount of space. When I sat behind me with my usual seat setting the amount of space in the knee area was amazing. It seems Kia have managed to create space where none existed before. Equally, the space above my head seems a lot more on the inside that appears from the outside. I know you can lower the seat and angle it a bit but I didn't notice any of these compromises to deliver such huge headroom. When you are in there there is lots of light and you have great visibility – if there was an anti-carsickness car competition the Optima Estate would win hands down.
The quality and feel of the Optima SW’s interior is very, very good. My seats were partial leather and the feel of all the buttons and handles and panels and dash etc. was one of quality. In no way could you link this car to any of the old gripes about far eastern interiors. It felt as European and any European offering. The central infotainment system has all you'd expect but is one area where you feel cheated. The space it occupies up high in the middle is much bigger than required suggesting an economy as been made and a bigger unit is available.
The boot is 552ltrs in size, gigantic in other words, and has a split level with a hidden compartment underneath. I find these excellent for hiding periodic items to stop them rolling around and making noise as well as keeping them away from prying eyes – one advantage I’ll give the saloon car over hatchbacks and estates despite the parcel shelf and luggage covers. To expand the luggage space there are two quick release switches at the back that drops the rear seats for the bigger loads occasionally required – two racing bicycles in my case.
Out and about it is quiet enough. The big wheels cause it to be a bit bouncier than expected and bigger is not always better. Power comes from a 1.7l diesel engine producing 141bhp - again near that magic figure of 150bhp which is all you’ll ever need. That 141bhp makes progress effortless and it has a very good turn of foot. The engine isn't rough at all and I managed just under 7.0lts/100kms - a bit wide of the figures in the brochure. Most cars do the same of course and the claimed v actual duel is one that will run and run. I could have got better than the claimed figure I'm sure. If you have to drive a lot of distance the Optima Estate is a fine place to be in to do it. It's comfortable and spacious and has all the essentials in terms of extras and safety you’d want.
I have driven a few Kia’s lately and unless I am missing something I can’t find indication of what speed the cruise control is set at. I know I can look as the speedometer but most cars allow you to see the setting and I can’t figure out why Kia doesn’t do the same. They usually are on the ball when it comes to the latest features so this is what I would call a rogue omission.
Kia now offer three Optima models an EX Manual, my test car, an EXS and and EXS Automatic. The range starts €29,950 and max’s out at €33,995 for the automatic EXS a €2,800 premium over the manual ESX version – wowza! The good thing about those prices though is you have a fully loaded car – cruise control setting indicator aside )). Peace of mind too with their now legendary 7 year warranty. Kia are always at pains to point out that they are much, much more than their very successful campaign for the 7 year warranty and don't solely want to be identified with just their warranty. This Optima SW goes a long way to shifting that mindset of buyers good and all that it is.
