Review: Kia Optima

Middle class station wagons eat up kilometers. The Kia Optima Sportswagon munching along in a relaxed manner.

Weak in width, but at the top as strong as seldom: mid-range station wagons on this side of the premium league are a little out of fashion in times of the SUV boom. Many manufacturers have therefore completely deleted them from their range in this country or offer less attractive compromise models. At the same time, the best cars in their class are currently better than they have been for a long time. The Kia Optima also wants to be one of them.

The core competence of a station wagon is its space. However, the large suitcase behind the passenger compartment often conflicts with an attractive silhouette. Even the Optima does not rely uncompromisingly on maximum built-up space, but finds a good compromise between appearance and utility. Almost 1.700 liters are sufficient for family vacations as well as for the business traveler's sample case collection. The Kia also scores well in the B rating, with a multitude of mounting options, remote unlocking of the rear seat backrests and a small item compartment under the trunk floor, which also holds the luggage compartment blind, enough options to use the lush space comfortably. It has a low loading sill ahead of common SUV models, which is easy on your back when loading.

The passengers are also airy, and even tall people can comfortably sit in the back. However, they are relatively low, which can make getting out of the car difficult. In addition, a cardan tunnel and the console of the driver's armrest that protrudes to the rear disturb the passenger in the middle seat. The interior design is quite appealing, but the operating concept with its myriad of buttons and switches looks slightly outdated just a few years after its introduction. In particular, the buttons around the gear selector lever and on the steering wheel are cluttered. On the other hand, the choice of materials and workmanship are at the forefront - the interior exudes quality and durability.

When it comes to the drive, Kia largely relies on home cooking - apart from the top-of-the-line petrol model Optima GT with 175 kW / 238 hp, which is as fast as it is fuel-efficient. In the case of diesel, however, the power range ends at 100 kW / 136 PS. A value that will hardly tear the upscale company car driver off his feet, but is completely sufficient in everyday life. The slight starting weakness of the 1,6-liter four-cylinder cannot cover the seven-speed dual clutch transmission, but once in motion it allows you to swim along on the motorway and to overtake without a hitch. Consumption is barely okay: the station wagon consumes around six liters on average, and sometimes over seven at high speed. Because the series tank holds a generous 70 liters, you can drive almost 1.200 kilometers without refueling. That fits well, because you like to drive long distances with the Optima thanks to the neat seats and the well-balanced, comfortable chassis. All that is missing for full travel enjoyment is a more effective noise reduction on the body.

The coherent package of long-distance comfort, space and superior drive is complemented by extensive equipment. Even the basic model (gasoline engine with 120 kW / 163 PS, from 26.500 euros) comes with cruise control, navigation, automatic air conditioning and a reversing camera - almost everything you need on a company car tour or a family outing. The diesel is available in the same equipment from 28.800 euros, but if you want the automatic version, you have to choose a higher trim line and pay at least 32.990 euros. A large part of the available assistance systems are always extra - even in the higher equipment lines, only a few are included in the helper series. After all, the surcharge policy is reasonably fair. Compared to its strongest competitors VW Passat Variant, Peugeot 508 SW and Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, the Optima Sportswagon is not a bargain, but not only a worth considering alternative in view of the seven-year guarantee.

Holger Holzer / SP-X

Technical information - Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.6 CRDi:
Five-door, five-seater mid-range station wagon; Length: 4,86 meters, width: 1,86 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2,12 meters), height: 1,47 meters (with roof rails), wheelbase: 2,81 meters, trunk volume: 552 - 1.686 liters

1,6-liter diesel engine, seven-speed dual clutch transmission, 100 kW / 136 PS, maximum torque: 320 Nm at 2.000 - 2.250 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 11,8 s, Vmax: 193 km / h, Standard consumption: 4,7 liters / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 123 g / km, efficiency class: A +, emissions standard: Euro 6d-temp, test consumption: 6,0 liters / 100 kilometers, price from: 32.990 euros.

Brief description - Kia Optima Sportswagon:
Why: lots of space, good long-distance comfort, lavish equipment
Why not: high purchase price,
Alternatives: VW Passat Variant, Opel Insignia ST, Peugeot 508 SW