The Kia Optima has reached its mid-life – but rather than bringing about the usual crisis, this has seen the Ford Mondeo rival get a subtle refresh timed to see it through to the arrival of its successor further along the line. Yet what UK buyers will really want to know is whether the Korean saloon’s dynamic qualities have been honed enough to bring it into line with its more mainstream European rivals, or if the handling and steering still fall short of what’s expected in the competitive family car class.
Kia’s certainly made an effort to address the complaint, as well as give the car a classier, more refined feel. The Optima is longer, wider and lighter than before, with a 50 per cent stiffer platform plus overhauled steering and suspension. Its looks have been tweaked inside and out, and our CRDi test car’s 1.7-litre diesel gets 5bhp more, at 139bhp. When it comes to enhanced efficiency and performance, this brings the best of both worlds, with a 25 per cent economy boost to 67.3mpg and a quicker 0-60mph time of 9.7sec. New, better-equipped specs are 2, 3 (driven here) and 4, to be followed later this year by GT and GT-Line and an estate.
Family and business buyers alike will appreciate the classier cabin, with its redesigned dash, satin and piano black trim, 8.0-inch touchscreen and good equipment levels. Space for passengers and their gear is good, front and rear, as is driving-position adjustability. Care should be taken to avoid the curved door opening when climbing in the back, though, and the sloping roofline could be a little intrusive for six-footers. Similarly, the raked rear screen impacts on the bootlid opening, which leads to the otherwise big and flat luggage area.
The diesel’s power boost can definitely be felt, and it’s torquey enough to allow relaxed and non-too-frequent changes of the slick six-speed manual box. Unfortunately for keen drivers, that’s about as entertaining as the Optima gets. It handles and grips well enough, but it’s let down by a lack of steering feel and consistency, predominantly uncomposed ride, and vocal, vibratory engine.
That’s a shame, because the facelifted Optima has a lot going for it. It’s well designed outside and in, spacious and well equipped. With heated seats, auto lights and wipers, a reversing camera, sat-nav and Kia’s industry-leading seven-year 100,000-mile warranty, our 3 hits the sweet spot between value and kit. Running costs are good as well.
Ultimately, though, the Optima still can’t compete on the level of its bigger-selling rivals. A similarly priced and kitted-out Skoda Octavia is faster, more efficient, cleaner and better dynamically, and the Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat give a vastly superior ride. The Europeans win again.
Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi Eco 3 manual
On sale: Now
Price: £23,495
Engine: 1,685cc, diesel
Power: 139bhp
Torque: 251lb ft
Gearbox: 6spd manual
Kerbweight: 1705kg
0-60mph: 9.7sec
Top speed: 121mph
Economy: 67.3mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band: 110g/km, 20%
