Korean
carmaker Kia has been persistently pushing the European brands, bringing in
competitively priced models with upmarket looks and new technologies for solid
value. Recently face lifted, the Kia Optima K5 sports sedan is a fine example.
Somehow,
when I think of the name Optima, what comes to mind is Optimus Prime from the
Transformers and not surprising, a quick search on the internet revealed a few
car reviews using Optimus Prime as their titles. Well, I guess you can call Kia
a Transformer, having come a long way from its cars of the past.
With good driving
dynamics, a very sporty exterior design, lots of space and a generous list of
standard equipment, the K5 injected lots of life into a usually staid segment
This
upgrade of the Optima is not just adding a bit of touches to the exterior.
Kia’s design team in Frankfurt has refined its appearance to both the front and
rear, including revamped rear diffusers and an upswept trunk lid. Enhancing
this smart look – and the ‘tiger face’ of Kia – are LED daytime running lights
and newly-designed LED rear lamps, flanking the modern face of Kia models.
Briefly put, this is a Kia that you will want to be seen in. Then again, the
new Kia models that are rolling off the factory production line are cars that
will not put you in any embarrassment.
Changes
continue inside, with a 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen in the instrument panel which
has improved graphics and the usual driver information. Audio is provided
through the Infinity sound system – comes standard – and its eight speakers,
which you can control from the D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with
paddle shifts. (D-shaped basically just means flat-bottomed).
Inside, the K5
features a leather interior, a supervision cluster and
a multifunction four-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and controls for
audio, ECO-driving, auto cruise-control
A
drive-mode selector allows you to choose between Normal, Eco and Sport,
sharpening response when demanded. In tandem with the rear view camera, front
and rear sensors, there is now a blind spot detection system – with lane change
assist – which has rear cross-traffic alert for safer driving. The seats have
been redesigned and the brake discs are larger as well.
That’s
pretty much it to the facelift, as the engine remains the same – the 2.4-litre
inline-4 petrol variant. Its drive will not send your heart racing to your
mouth, but in Sport mode it is decently engaging. At best, it gives 178bhp (at
6,000rpm) and a peak torque of 231Nm (at 4,000rpm), manipulated through the
six-speed automatic transmission which you can control manually by means of the
paddle shifts.
Motor, controller and
power transmission wires occupy the engine bay
Kia is not
the budget, economical brand of the past, but an increasingly worthy competitor
of the European brands. In relative terms, its price package gives good value
for money with its generous amount of standard equipment that includes 18- inch
alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone full-auto temperature control,
panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, auto defogging system and more, on
top of those already mentioned above. Some European equivalents don’t even
offer all of these as standard. The auto defogging system has sensors that
automatically demist the windscreen if condensation forms.
This
facelift of the Optima, though no changes to the technicalities, is a pretty
convincing package, COE prices aside. Simultaneously, the Sportage
has also been given a facelift with a new two-litre
engine, refreshed exterior and new features like the Flex Steer and ventilated
driver seats. Kia is certainly headed in the right direction with their
upgrading of models and creating immense value
