Even if you have had a few years to get used to the rapid progress of the Koreans, which is noticeable from generation to generation, the overall quality of the vehicles from Hyundai and Kia surprises again and again. The most recent example: the combi version of the Optima, once again positioned by the marketing strategists and less appropriately as a "sports wagon". Is Kia No longer a cheap brand, as was the case in the days of the predecessor models Clarus and Magentis, but - so much should be said at this point - the price / performance ratio is still great even with the second generation of the Optima at a higher overall level.
You can confidently call the model "new". While the sedan has been on the market in Germany for exactly one year, the station wagon, which is the same length at 4,86 meters, has only been available since the end of September. Our test vehicle was equipped with the 1,7-liter diesel, which is certainly the most sensible choice compared to the thirstier petrol engines currently offered, as drivers of mid-range vehicles usually also achieve significantly above-average mileage. The chassis is designed more for a quiet journey than for sporty fun anyway, it rocks bumps away and only has problems with transverse joints. Like the somewhat indifferent steering, this is a lack of fine tuning, but you only notice it when you compare the Kia directly with the best alternatives in this class.
The diesel is also well suited for long, carefree journeys. Although it is not one of the exemplary quiet steps among the diesel engines, it also does not become obtrusively loud. 141 HP and 340 Newton meters of maximum torque, which are constantly present in the frequently used speed range between 1.750 and 2.500 revolutions, is always enough to make rapid progress. This is also borne out by the driving values: with the concentrated-shifting, seven-speed dual clutch transmission on board (2.000 euros), you can go to 100 and up to 203 km / h maximum speed in eleven seconds. Real consumption leveled off at a quick average of 6,2 liters, which is okay for the vehicle class, although the standard value of 4,4 liters was clearly missed.
In addition, like all Kia models, the Optima designed by German designer Peter Schreyer looks really good and modern, but without setting completely new accents. As is common today, the headlights are drawn far into the flanks, the window line rises steeply and the front shows the grill with the brand emblem that Kia calls "tiger nose". Unfortunately, the D-pillar is so wide that the view to the rear is pretty limited.
Inside there is not much to complain about in terms of functionality and ergonomics. As is unfortunately often the case today, the steering wheel is overloaded with buttons and of course there are (more expensive) models in this class, in which the plastics appear a little nobler. Otherwise: everything is processed and fitted cleanly and routinely. The really pleasant seats with long-distance comfort deserve special praise. The hard plastic against which the right knee bumped sideways repeatedly proved to be less good for this long distance.
The front end and interior are of course identical to the sedan. The reason for the additional 1.000 euros can be found in the back. The rear end of the station wagon looks much more dynamic than that of the somewhat staid sedan. Above all, of course, there is more space for luggage and more variability, even if the Optima does not set standards here. After all, the back seat is divided into three (40:20:40) and the individual segments can be converted from the trunk with one hand. Normally, around 550 liters of luggage fit in the trunk, when the rear seat is completely folded it is almost 1.690 liters. That should be enough for most everyday tasks. In our test car, a rail system was also fitted as standard, with which cargo can be easily secured.
The basic versions of the Optima are very well equipped by Kia, in the top version GT-Line practically nothing is left to be desired. Most of the assistance systems only have to be paid extra. For example, in the technology package (1.690 euros), which combines an all-round view camera, lane change assistant, cross-traffic warning and an adaptive chassis. If you then take a metallic paint for 580 euros - which is a must, if you don't want to drive around in the only available solid color "white" - the 42.000 euros have already been exceeded. We are comforted by the seven-year factory warranty, which is limited to 150.000 kilometers, which is more annoying for an Optima than for a compact or small car because of the mostly higher mileage.
Conclusion: There are certainly more active and finer middle class station wagons than the Optima. But they are usually significantly more expensive and still only offer a pitiful guarantee package. In his price class, the Korean has to hide from hardly any competitor despite the lack of fine-tuning of the steering and chassis. Simply because the overall package put together by Kia fits in this vehicle. (Mario Hommen / SP-X)