MOTORING
This is a Big Kia
T
hat is the first thing I noticed when I saw the new Kia Optima SW ( Sports Wagon ) or , as we refer to them over here , estate cars . The Kia Optima has had a makeover and Kia have added the Sports wagon . It is a long car with an abundance of space .
The GT line version I drove comes with lots of standard equipment . Even the entrylevel two model gets luxuries , such as satnav , Bluetooth , a DAB radio , two USB ports , climate and cruise controls and front and rear parking sensors .
Three trim adds a larger 8.0in touchscreen , heated electric seats , xenon headlights and an upgraded sound system . The GT version adds a leather interior sports seats satnav and lots more .
Kia certainly offers a lot of specification making the Optima interior a very pleasant place to be . The GT line comes with a lovely panoramic sunroof .
The interior plastics are of good quality and the Optima offers generous space to all its occupants and a massive space for carrying their bits and pieces .
The Optima Sportswagon is powered by a 1.7 Turbo Diesel engine which is a delivers a 141 bhp and
68 www . businessfirstonline . co . uk drives the front wheels through a 7 speed DCT automatic gearbox .
The Optima Sportswagon is a big car and could probably do with a bit more power bit it ’ s a good compromise for the size of car as on motorway driving you can get 50 miles per gallon and that is where this car felt perfectly at home .
It does do well on twisty road but its long wheelbase hampers the sharpness of its handling .
My feeling is the Kia Optima Sportswagon is aimed directly at the business user and it is a perfect fit that market .
Offering a comfortable and practical stylish
by Ian Beasant , BUSINESSFIRSTMAGAZINE motoring correspondent
car that will eat as many miles as you can throw at it and then use at the weekend as a family car and nobody will be disappointed . Kia have hit the mark with Optima SW and it is different , which I think is good .
Kia owners report good things of the firm ' s dealers and the ownership experience and , for a lot of private buyers , the Optima ' s sevenyear , 100,000mile warranty will be important as it gives you peace of mind and a confidence in the manufacturer .
While the inside certainly does a good impression of a premium vehicle , the exterior makes many rivals look bland . I noticed many passersby taking a second glance .