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KIA has been trying to swim in the D-segment, which is dominated by German competition, since 2011. With the mark of 300.000 units sold worldwide in 2015, the Korean car maker is very self-confident.
With the Europe's second generation, the Optima receives a new design and promises to attract more attention with a higher-quality basic equipment as well as the usual KIA 7-year warranty in both residential and business customer. With its business charm and two engines, Optima launched 2016 in January. The entry is the sedan at a price of 24.990 Euro.
KIA Optima 1.7 CRDI DCT Spirit
Business Liners from Korea
Collect points with a lot of comfort
Outwardly as a sporty type of business occurring, the KIA Optima in terms of interior is simple and clear. Ambience, workmanship and materials used have a very high quality. When boarding and closing the door, the electrically adjustable driver's seat moves to the last stored seating position. This facilitates both entry and exit. The seating position on the long-distance seats has a hip point close to the saloon's center of gravity. Driver and passenger seats also offer 8-fold adjustment options and very good lateral support. For legroom in the rear is taken care of. Even tall inmates are allowed a stress-free travel in the back seats. Instrument unit and operation are self-explanatory at the first impression and do not seem overloaded. A certain dominance creates the seven-inch touchscreen, which is inclined to the driver. Like its competitors, KIA sets up its own multimedia service (KIA Connected Services) to serve its customers sustainably. The maneuvering while parking and fast load changes of 4,86 meters in length but comparatively large vehicle is very easy in the direct and precise steering. Thanks to new geometry and software calibration, we also get more feedback on straight lines and in elongated curves alike. Thus, the 4-Türer makes a very good figure even when running straight.
Diesel very low noise
If you sit behind the wheel and press the start button, you hear the 1.7 liter diesel with its 104 kW (141 PS) quietly nailing. The seven-stage direct shift transmission (DCT) brings the 1,7 heavy-duty sedan a bit decelerated but very fast. The adaptive suspension offered especially for the diesel version we tested proves time after time its ability to neutralize rough roads and potholes. The damping force for each individual wheel controls the system differently via the button positioned in the center console. Here the modes "Sport" or "Normal" can be selected. The Optima shows noticeably more stability in the "Sport" mode. The manufacturer's specified standard consumption of 4,4 liters on 100 kilometers is in practice not entirely create. Our test car demands a good 5,9 liter. But that's a remarkably good value for a vehicle like the Optima. Anyway, the Korean's drive delivers hefty 340 Newtonmeter torque between 1750 and 2500 revolutions per minute. This force lets the vehicle accelerate from zero to 11,0 km / h in 100 seconds. In the top are up to 203 km / h in it.
Stingy not with driving safety systems
KIA not only worked on the driving performance of the vehicle. The safety systems already customary for the standard of a D-segment vehicle have been similarly revised and optimized. For example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Front Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection are used, as are Counter Steering Assist and Hill Start Assist. Depending on the design and equipment, some camera- and radar-based assistance systems can be ordered. The portfolio includes a Corrective Steering Assistance (BSD) Lane Departure Warning System (RCTA), a Blind Spot Detection (RCTA), and a Speed Limit Traffic Sign Detection (SLIF).
Price list
The Optima sedan, which is only available as a front-wheel drive, is available from a price of 24.990 euros. KIA offers a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 163 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine, on the other hand, comes up with the 1.7 CRDi with the power level 104 kW (141 hp) and six-speed manual transmission or seven-stage direct transmission. The base price here is 29.990 euros. In general, the three versions "Edition 7", "Vision" and "Spirit" are very generously equipped. The price differences between the three equipment lines are moderate at € 2.700 between "Edition 7" and "Vision" and € 4.000 between "Vision" and "Spirit".
And finally ...
All in all, the Optima meets the word "business liner" very well. In addition, the combination of value for money, driving dynamics and design with a nice lifestyle look is very well done.
KIA |
Optima 1.7 CRDI DCT Spirit |
| Motor | R4, diesel, turbo |
| Capacity | 1.685 ccm³ |
| Performance | 141 hp @ 4.400 rpm |
| kraft | 340 Nm @ 1.750 - 2.500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-stage direct shift |
| drive axle | front-wheel drive |
| Length Width Height | 4.855, 1.860, 1.465 mm |
| wheelbase | 2.805 mm |
| Empty weight | 1.720 kg |
| turning circle | 10,90m |
| top speed | 203 km / h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 11,0 sec |
| standard consumption | 4.4 l / 100 km |
| everyday driver | 5.9 l / 100 km (Diesel) |
| Eco-expert | 4.8 l / 100 km |
| Field service mode | 6.5 l / 100km |
Text and photos: Stefan Beckmann
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