Normally, the first weeks of getting to know a new car is a gradual (and largely positive) voyage of discovery.

Unfortunately for our Optima, a loose handbrake proved otherwise and almost caused an accident. Parking and pulling up its handbrake the usual few notches one night might have created the impression of bringing the car to a standstill, but when I went to take the key out I glanced up to see the parked car in front looming into view. Stamping on the brakes and yanking up the handbrake to the fullest avoided a minor shunt but proved a dealer visit is needed. We’ll let you know how we get on.

Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi 2 Tech (manual)
Mileage 1921
Claimed combined
consumption
57.6mpg
Our average consumption 43.5 mpg
P11D price £21,640*
Model price range £19,595-£25,995
CO2 (tax) 128g/km/18%
BIK 20/40% per month £65/£130
Service interval 12,500 or 12months
Insurance group 17
Warranty 7yrs/100,000 miles
Boot space 505 litres
Engine size/power 1685cc/134hp
Top speed/0-62mph 125mph/10.2secs
Why we’re running it To see if Kia really
can mix-it with the
fleet’s big boys
Positive Good looks,
spacious, neat
Negative Small initial
niggles to fix
*Before options fitted: Metallic paint £475