2018 Kia Optima Review
Car Tested: 2018 Kia Optima; Road Test No. 1019 Test Location: Delhi, NCR
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 40 lakhs (est.)
The Kia Optima scores high on style, tech and space but isn’t engaging to drive
Kia Motors has been in the news ever since it bombarded the 2018 Auto Expo with an array of cars ranging from hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, crossovers and even sedans. While the company hasn’t yet officially confirmed the line-up for India, it isn’t a cliché to expect a compact SUV, a premium hatchback and probably a mid-size sedan because these are the hotly contested segments in the country right now. However, to build the brand image, we could see some premium (read offbeat) cars from the Korean carmaker and that is where the Optima plays a rather vital role. The Kia Optima, if launched in India, will rub its shoulders against the Germans, the Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb. Is it good enough to attract Indians from the Germans? We find out.
Motor Quest: The Kia Optima has been on sale internationally since 2000 and is currently in its fourth generation avatar. Sharing its platform with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, the saloon has sold over 3 lakh units globally.
The Kia Optima looks sleek, elegant and beautiful
Exteriors – The Kia Optima boasts of an understated yet clean, beautiful and an elegant design just like its rivals. Needless to say, it looks distinctive too. The signature Tiger Nose grille is flanked by large sweptback headlights with dual projectors and LED DRLs. We particularly like the shape of the LED DRLs. Move to the side and the dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels add some bling to an otherwise plain profile. The door handles are finished in chrome and there’s some just below the doors as well. The sloping roofline (could remind you of the Jaguar XJ) neatly integrates into the rear and the slim LED tail-lights look gorgeous, to say the least. The rear bumper gets a dual-tone treatment just to cut off some visual bulk. Overall, the Kia Optima is a great looker and will definitely turn heads wherever it goes.
The cabin is done up in typical Kia fashion and boasts of good quality materials
Interiors – The cabin of the Kia Optima is draped in all black with subtle silver accents on the steering and the centre console giving it a sporty appeal. The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel gets a plethora of buttons and behind it is a 2-pod instrument dial with a rectangular MID display. There is a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but the screen size is small. Expect a bigger infotainment system in the India-spec model. The materials used inside are top quality and the cabin of the Optima is definitely a nice place to be in. In terms of features, you get push-button start, wireless charging, powered front seats with heating and cooling function, heated steering, heated ORVMs, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof and a 6-speaker audio system. Phew!
There is absolutely no dearth of space at the rear
The Kia Optima doesn’t disappoint at all when it comes to space in the cabin
The front seats are plush and feel comfortable. At the rear, there’s acres of legroom and shoulder room. Despite the sloping roofline, there is decent headroom and the under-thigh support is good as well. To pamper the rear occupants, Kia has thrown in manual sunblinds, rear AC vent and even charging sockets. The boot is huge enough and can easily swallow more than a family’s weekend luggage.
The 2.0-litre engine likes taking things easy
Performance – The Kia Optima is available globally with a slew of engine options. However, there are no diesel engine options and we’re sampling the 2.0-litre CVVL petrol motor this time. This engine produces 163 HP of power and 196 Nm of torque. There is a lot of lag lower down in the rev range and only in the mid-range, it pulls decently. The sedan redlines to the top end excitingly and while doing so, it also emits a sporty note (growl) from the exhaust pipes.
The 6-speed gearbox feels lethargic and sluggish
The engine and gearbox of the Kia Optima have a laidback nature
The powertrain fails to impress as it isn’t punchy and fast-revving. You constantly need to mash the throttle to extract the juice out of the motor. Making matters more unpleasant is the 6-speed automatic gearbox. First, it is slow to respond and second, despite you taking to the steering-mounted paddle shifts to manually take control of things, the drive experience isn’t properly engaging.
Despite the low-profile rubber, ride quality is surprisingly good
Driving Dynamics – Being a Kia, don’t expect the Optima to be a good handler. Though the steering is light, it doesn’t weigh up properly at high speeds and feels disconnected. However, the ride quality is genuinely comfortable despite the car running on 18-inch wheels. If launched in India, expect the automaker to spec the vehicle with lower 16- or 17-inch wheels. The brakes do a phenomenal job of shedding speeds without any drama.
The sedan is handsomely loaded with safety features
Safety and After Sales Service – In terms of safety, the Kia Optima gets 7 airbags, VSC, ESC, Hill Start Assist Control, electronic parking brake with auto hold function and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Kia is yet to start production of its cars at its Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh facility and is expected to roll out its first car by 2019. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how expansive will the company’s dealer network turn out to be.
The Kia Optima will serve as a brand-builder to the company if launched in India
Verdict – The Kia Optima is an attractive-looking car, it’s comfortable, spacious and is also brimmed with features. However, the lackluster engine robs away the driving fun. There is also a 2.0-litre GDi petrol hybrid variant that could be launched in India but considering the shrinking market for D-segment sedans, Kia is most likely to think twice before evaluating the Optima for our market, however, if it does, the segment will get a fresh breath of air, no doubt.
The petrol engine on the Optima fails to excite
What’s Cool
* Looks and styling
* Long list of features
* Spacious cabin
What’s Not So Cool
* Handling isn’t engaging
* Steering could’ve done with better feel
* Petrol engine isn’t very punchy
Alternatives: – Skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Would you pick the Optima over the Germans? Let us know in the comments below
Kia Optima Specifications
* Engine: 1999cc, 4-cyl, NA Petrol
* Power: 163 PS @ 6500 RPM
* Torque: 196 Nm @ 4800 RPM
* Transmission: 6-Speed AT
* 0-100 km/hr: 9.8 Seconds
* Top Speed: 219 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 6-9 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: McPherson Strut (Front), Multi-Link (Rear)
* Tyre Size: 215/55/18
* Brakes: Disc (Front), Disc (Rear), ABS
* Safety: 7-Airbags, ABS, VSC, Hill Start Assist
Kia Optima Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 4854 mm X 1859 mm X 1465 mm
* Boot Space: 450-litres
* Wheelbase: 2804 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 70-litres
Kia will start launching cars in India 2019 onwards
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