Kia Optima K5 2.0 Review: More than good looks...

What we like:

Peter Schreyer’s timeless design that immediately causes other makes to look dated. List of standard kit included.

What we dislike:

Lifeless steering. Firm ride.

Now offered with a more robust 2.4-litre powerplant, the new engine is quite a bit more sprightly than the previous 2.0-litre. Producing 178bhp and 231Nm, the four cylinder naturally aspirated unit has decent pulling power from the get go.

Unfortunately like the previous 2.0-litre, the engine gets raspy at high revs or when pushed hard. On the roads the ride is generally comfortable but can get quite busy when the surface gets rough. This firm suspension also translates to decent cornering performance though another down side does become prevalent.

The K5’s steering lacks any useful feedback and even with the ‘Sport’ mode activated, the added weight does nothing to improve the feeling of disconnect.

Despite its shortcomings, the K5 still makes a convincing argument for a mid-size sedan for the bang for buck approach. At just $167,999 (20th March 2014), it is decently equipped and beats out the Mazda 6 with its long list of standard kit.

On top of the price argument, the K5 wins us over with its continental good looks that bump the competition right out of the water.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline