On test: Kia Optima

The time spent in the Optima at Kia’s Namyang-dong research and development centre was brief, but it was enough to get a flavour of what UK customers can expect in 2011.

Its striking styling gives it a far sleeker appearance than the Magentis and – in my eyes – it is one of the most attractive cars in the upper-medium sector.

Specification details are yet to be fixed, but fitted as standard for all equipment grades is a powered lumbar support for the driver’s seat.

A typical lower trim vehicle will feature bright chrome A- to C-pillar trim moulding, air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, CD/radio with six speakers, alarm, door mirror LED indicator repeaters, aero blade wipers, windshield de-icer and folding rear centre armrest with twin cup-holders.

Available as standard on higher trim levels or as options are features such as automatic folding mirrors and smart parking assist (SPA) – a feature which automatically parks the vehicle.

We weren’t able to try the diesel version of the car, instead we tried a 200bhp 2.4-litre GDi not destined for the UK, fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Refinement is certainly on a level with the best-performing petrol saloons in this sector.

The interior finish is equally impressive, while the dashboard centre was angled slightly towards the driver, as in the latest Audi A4.

Rear seat passengers get a good deal too, with a comfortable bench and plenty of legroom.

There was a stern looking engineer sat in the passenger seat while we drove to make sure we didn’t try to carry out any harsh manoeuvres.

So there is a limit to what we could find out, and European cars will have a different chassis set up.

Early signs were promising but on the smooth track there was little to tell about the ride quality.

One thing I noticed was the stitching on the leather-covered steering wheel was of the ‘baseball style’ variety.

This reminded me a little of American and budget cars.

European models usually have a smoother, more sophisticated stitching in the leather.

But if I reached that level of nit-picking, the rest of the car must have been pretty good.

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Author: Simon Harris