Kia Optima K5 2.0 Review: Optimal Vision

What we like:

Superbly styled inside and out

lavishly equipped

spacious interior

decent performance

What we dislike:

Not refined as a Camry overall

The interior looks and feels modern and contemporary. The dashboard has a centre console that is canted at an angle of 9.6 degrees towards the driver for a driving environment that is aircraft cockpit inspired while the electrically adjustable driver's seat is comfortable and supportive. The cowled instruments look like they are inspired by the Forte's but the multi-function screen is neatly integrated nicely within the sizable speedometer. The steering wheel offers buttons on each of the four spokes for operating the cruise control, stereo, trip computer and the Bluetooth handsfree.

With a generous wheelbase of 2795mm and an almost flat floor, rear passengers have more than ample legroom while headroom is reasonably OK despite the sloping roofline but some might still find it a tad claustrophobic in here due to the small windows on the rear doors. Rear air con vents are a standard fit to cool those seated in the rear.

The boot is not as deep as some of its competitor's but the load area is well shaped. For convenience, there's a lever in the trunk to split/fold the rear seatbacks in an instant when required.

The Optima is once again testament that the build quality and perceived luxury levels of Korean models are now right up there with the Japanese cars. Other than the surfaces on the lower part of the dashboard and the instrument cluster top, the surfaces and materials in the cabin feel soft to the touch while the doors close with a reassuring thunk.

From its recent experiences with the Forte and Sportage, Cycle & Carriage Kia has realized that its customers are willing to fork out a tad more for a model with more standard kit and hence has decided to offer the Optima with just one spec - fully loaded with 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth handsfree, iPod connectivity, electric folding mirrors, anti-dazzle rear view mirror, cruise control, dual zone climate control, electronic stability control, keyless operation, HID headlamps and panoramic sunroof (not fitted on test car here).

The Optima is priced pretty similarly to a 2-litre Camry but yet it is better equipped and offers better specifications. Nevertheless, the Optima's biggest draw is still the way it looks and this can be attributed to one man - Mr. Kia a.k.a. Peter Schreyer.

Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai