The Optima is back and this time it’s versatile, reckons Al Suttie.
1 – The Optima Sportswagon might have kerb appeal with its looks, but the fleet appeal lies in the boot and under the bonnet.
2 – Starting at the back, there’s 552-litres of load space seats up, which betters a Ford Mondeo but trails the Skoda Superb.
3 – Drop the back bench and you have a generous 1686-litres of cargo room, which again falls between the rivals mentioned above.
4 – Kia adds to the car’s adaptable nature with under-floor storage and the 3 trim level we tried also had a handy rail divider.
5 – There’s also bags of space for people in the front and rear seats, and the infotainment, heating and dials are clear and simple.
6 – All good, so far, and the 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine does a sound job with its 141hp and 251lb ft of torque.
7 – Combined economy and emissions lag slightly behind its key competitors, but Kia makes up for this with loads of standard kit.
8 – On the move, the Optima Sportswagon handles well and the engine is refined, even if it does need to be revved to give its best.
9 – However, the ride on the 3’s 18-inch alloy wheels is too brittle and picks up on ripples where a Superb is smoothly fuss-free.
10 – We’re also not impressed with the vague, overly light steering, which is a shame in an otherwise well balanced estate.
