Kia Optima 2014 Review
Update for Kia's redoubtable Optima is change for the better, albeit incrementalKia Optima Platinum
Yarra Valley, Victoria
A brief run from Melbourne out into the eastern suburbs in the new range-topping Optima provided some home-turf insight into the new car's features. It also served to reacquaint me with the Kia, a car that I found very impressive back in 2011.
The big news for the 2014 Optima is the Blind Spot Detection system fitted as standard in the Optima Platinum. As I discovered on the Eastern Freeway, it can be over-zealous, warning when cars to the right rear were actually two lanes over. It's a common complaint with this type of system, and I've encountered it in cars costing considerably more than the Kia.
That little stumble aside, the Optima remains a capable and relevant offering in the medium passenger car segment. Fundamentally, it is what it was.
Headroom remains marginal in the front and the rear, by virtue of the sunroof fitted as standard in the range-topping model. Rear-seat knee room is still good, but overall legroom probably lags behind the new Mazda6 (sedan) now. There's room under the front seat for adults to place their feet, but not that much.
The boot is long and deep, which is particularly laudable given the Optima also carries around a full-size spare wheel under the floor, and it's wrapped around an alloy wheel the same as the other four.
Seats have been revised, Kia says, and certainly received the thumbs up from my partner. They are appropriately large, enveloping and comfortable, but will hold the occupants secure while pushing harder through corners or under brakes. The headrests are well shaped to fit the nape of the neck too.
Both driver and front-seat passenger now benefit from heated AND ventilated front seats, which will likely lead to arguments between siblings as to who sits in the front when being driven somewhere by Mum or Dad while the other parent is at work.
The dash and centre fascia layout appear simpler to use and the seven-inch touch screen renders graphics in a large format and high resolution that's easy on both the eyes and digits.
In corners, the Optima is now a better car than what many (myself among them) would argue is the new segment benchmark, the Mazda6. That's not because the Optima has undergone major changes to suspension or steering, but because the Mazda is now a larger car and offers less feel through its tiller. The Kia, in contrast, delivers marginally stronger grip out of corners and faster steering response on the entry. Settling into a neutral stance the Optima will tuck in tight around the apex and show signs of just mild understeer on the exit. It's composed and precise in its attitude.
But the Mazda6 probably delivers slightly better ride comfort overall. The Optima absorbs smaller bumps easily, but does feel firmer and less forgiving as speeds rise. There's not much in it though, it must be said.
Where the Mazda holds the advantage over the Optima is its SKYACTIV drivetrain. Despite the Kia producing 10kW more power and the same torque, the Mazda enjoys an advantage in power delivery and fuel economy.
Without an auto-stop system or other fuel-saving features the Mazda boasts, the Kia struggled to keep below 10L/100km on a route from Melbourne's CBD out along the Eastern Freeway and into the wilds of Warrandyte and on to Healesville via Yarra Glen. Mostly the Optima wasn't pushed that hard, but the final figure on the trip computer was 9.5L/100km for the round trip.
In similar driving the Mazda can achieve figures of 7.5L/100km or less. The Mazda is also easier to drive, providing faster acceleration, torque lower in the rev range (which means the transmission can hold that higher gear until the last gasp) and a sportier note. While the Optima's 2.4-litre direct-injected four-cylinder and six-speed automatic make for a very smooth combination, the engine needs to be working above 4000rpm for best effect.
Ease off the accelerator and the Optima continues to roll on briefly, which induces an impression that this car is like a wild dog, waiting to be let off the leash.
But the reality is somewhat different.
The auto box (with shift paddles) is highly commendable, shifting down or up rapidly when called upon, but never harshly. It makes up for some of what the engine lacks. Kia has calibrated the engine for lively step-off, which is welcome, but once the transmission is in second or third, any incline or requirement for more torque or power is met with a kick-down response.
In the final analysis, the Mazda6 has pulled ahead of the Optima, but the Kia offers good fit and finish, plenty of equipment and handsome looks that may appeal more to buyers. It's a tough choice.
2014 Kia Optima Platinum pricing and specifications:
Price: $40,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 148kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (combined)
CO2: 189g/km (combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
| What we liked: | Not so much: |
| >> Attractive styling tweaks | >> Engine still too peaky |
| >> Competent cornering | >> Sunroof restricts headroom |
| >> Improved seat comfort | >> Rides firmer than segment benchmark |
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