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.