The emergence of a new generation of Optima in the model lineup of Kia - an important step towards this Korean manufacturer to expand its presence in key global markets.
His triumphal march of the new Optima began with "home", the Korean market, after which it was warmly received in the U.S. and Canada, where she confidently took the leading positions in sales in its segment. But natural disasters in Asia in the past year have forced the company to revise terms of the model's debut in Europe. To potential buyers have not lost interest in Optima, Kia, in early December collected on the Cote d'Azur journalists to test the sedan and its updated cousin - Kia Soul. But we will tell about it another time. And now let us return to the model of Optima ...
Designed by Kia cars in recent times has become a byword in the best sense - a lot of it is really saying. For it stands to thank the company's chief designer Peter Schreyer, who radically changed the attitude of consumers to the brand. Dynamic wedge-shaped silhouette of the car highlight, optional 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED rear lights, spoiler and chrome oval exhaust pipe.
Stylish appearance was continued in the interior design solutions. The instrument panel is similar to its original contours of your grille. Large scale tachometer and speedometer with a bright white illumination are separated by a color display, which displays all the necessary information. Focused on the driver's center console in the tested version was equipped with information and navigation system with a large color display, which displays an image as a rearview camera.
Our test Optima was "stuffed" to the maximum, so the list of options included a large panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, front and rear seats, ventilated driver's seat. Engineers have promised us to solve the problem with ventilation for the front passenger seat, but so far this prevents the sensor that determines the presence or absence of it. Numerous adjustment driver's seat (including lumbar), as well as adjustable in two directions steering column allow you to sit comfortably behind the wheel of Optima people of different height and build.
The system of dual-zone automatic climate control with the function to prevent fogging and ventilation ducts in the rear provide a pleasant climate inside the car.
In the car, many offices and compartments for small items, and even in the basic version. Especially for the presentation of the French company in the Optima estimated that 505 liters of luggage space enough to accommodate 666 wine bottles. For transportation of large luggage rear seat can be folded in a ratio of 40:60.
Comfort of the wheel, push button start the engine, which responds to a barely audible bass notes. Looking ahead, we note that the sound insulation in the new Optima all is well. At times it seemed at the bus stop, the engine is not running, but its active state showed only the tachometer needle. In general, turbo showed itself at its best. Optimally configured duo of 6-step "automatic machine" and economic engine for a test drive did not cause any complaints. "Automatic" to quickly adapts to driving style. Do you want more drive - do not be shy, active Manipulate the accelerator pedal and the car will accelerate rapidly in a matter of seconds. With a calm driving style automatic transmission demonstrates the familiar "reverie", smoothly podtykaya right gear.
The car is built on a platform akin to the model Hyundai Sonata new generation. But in its behavior on the road to the rank of senior Optima behaves quite differently. It was then re-reminded of the words marketers Hyundai-Kia, which are struggling to breed brands for different target audiences. Without a doubt Optima «sharpened» under the driver prefers a more active style of driving. The fully independent suspension - a tough, hard knocked. At speeds above 60 km / h it begins to sensitively respond to the slightest flaws of the roadway, but you can not fear the mountain serpentines and pass them without dropping the "gas".
Visibility to the sides provide ample mirrors and heated electrically. On the narrow streets of Nice, we were able to fully appreciate the opportunity to add a mirror, as scurrying to "jam" scooter and strive to deprive us of "vision." At the close parking, which is difficult to find on the streets of Nice and Monte Carlo, has fallen by the way rearview camera, drawing a motion path.
Compared with its predecessor on behalf of a new generation Magentis sedan has become much more attractive in every respect, and "European" character of the buyers will appreciate that for one reason or another had avoided close contact with the products of the Korean brands.
Summary
Body and comfort (+ / -)
The car has good looks bright, spacious interior and a roomy trunk. In addition, the number of car units and compartments for small items, and even in the basic version. Electric power steering helps to control the car at any speed and in the parking lot to turn the steering wheel can even a baby. The sensor does not allow the presence of the passenger seat to make it ventilated, but we have promised to fix it.
The power unit and the dynamics of (+ / -)
In our country, Optima comes in two petrol versions - a 2.0-liter 165-strong 2.4-liter and 180 liter capacity. a. The latter comes with only "automatic", but in a less powerful version of the customer can choose between automatic or manual transmission. Unfortunately, Ukraine has no plans to sell diesel-powered Optima.
Finance and equipment (+ / -)
Optima is available in Ukraine at a price of $ 25,500. The choice of buyers are offered a variety of five complete sets. In the basic configuration is not ESP, rear parking sensors and heated seats.
Source: Autocentre