Kia Optima

Kia is on a roll. The Optima is light years ahead of the woeful old Magentis, and finally gives the brand a serious contender for class honours. Smart looks, a classy cabin and composed dynamics mark out the newcomer, while the excellent 1.7-litre diesel is a clean and refined choice. Factor in value-for-money pricing and Kia’s trademark seven-year warranty, and the Optima deserves to do well.

Confidence at Kia is high. Following on from the success of its stylish Sportage SUV, perky Picanto city car and remarkable Rio supermini, the brand has its sights on the competitive family car class with the new Optima.

It’s designed to go head-to-head with big-hitters like the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb, and certainly has its work cut out. 

But Kia believes the blend of bold styling, sharp driving dynamics and low running costs will allow the Optima to muscle its way to the top of this crowded class. And on looks alone, the four-door has what it takes to succeed. 

With hints of Jaguar’s sleek XF executive saloon around the C-pillar, the Kia has enough kerb appeal to rival more expensive and upmarket rivals. Neat details include LED running lights and a  classy chrome strip that runs from the base of the A-pillars, over the doors and down to the tailgate.

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This distinctive design continues in the stylish cabin. The dash is angled towards the driver and has deeply cowled dials separated by a large colour display for the trip computer. Most of the plastics have an upmarket feel, although the shiny wood grain trim on our mid-range Luxe 2 test car was a bit naff. 

The Optima certainly isn’t short of room, with passengers in the back getting plenty of head and legroom. What’s more, there’s lots of useful storage space, while the tailgate lifts to reveal a generous 505-litre boot.

All versions get air-con, a Bluetooth connection and alloy wheels, while the Luxe 2 adds extras such as leather seat trim, a panoramic sunroof and rear view camera. Go for the range-topping 3 and you’ll benefit from a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and sat-nav.

There’s only one engine option, but the 134bhp 1.7-litre CRDi diesel is a smooth and punchy performer. However, the standard six-speed manual gearbox on our car had a slightly stiff and clunky action. Standard stop-start means the Kia emits only 128g/km of CO2 and should return 57.5mpg.

Accurate steering, decent grip and good body control help the Optima feel poised and agile in corners, but the controls could do with more feedback.

Refinement is up to class standards, and only a firm low-speed ride and some tyre roar disrupt the otherwise calm cabin.

The ace up Kia’s sleeve is price. Entry-level cars cost £19,595, while our Luxe 2 is £21,695. A similarly equipped Ford Mondeo is another £2,500, and would cost company car drivers taxed at 20 per cent an extra £180 a year. That rises to £400 for those taxed at 40 per cent.