Plenty of mainstream cars display practical interior design with basic ergonomics and cubbyholes galore, but few also achieve real interior design quality at a decent price.

The sub-£22,000 Optima is an exception. The time taken on the welcome screen’s opening credits when you turn the key in the ignition is an example. A pleasant jingle tells you your action has started the process, the seat moves back to make access easier and then a perfectly rendered 3D image of the car plus a few flashes around the digital driver dial display tell you all is well.

Take a closer look at the interior door handle of the Optima in 2 Tech trim when getting in and you’ll see simply first-rate fit and finish, the perforated leatherette-covered door cards, upmarket and branded speaker shields plus contrast stitching on the seating, add to the overall effect of real quality. It’s a lasting impression too that still makes every journey feel enjoyable and special.

Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi 2 Tech (manual)
Mileage 3809
Claimed combined
consumption
57.6mpg
Our average consumption 38.4mpg
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 Smart exterior, excellent
interior quality
Negative Small function niggles
to iron out
*Before options fitted: Metallic paint £475