• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2007 Kia Optima Road Test

A Car to Aspire To?

There was a time, not too long ago, when Kia would have probably been the last carmaker new vehicle buyers would have aspired to own, but this mindset is changing. No longer do we think of the cute but rather remedial first-generation Rio, the even more antiquated previous-gen Spectra or for that matter the somewhat crude yet 4x4 capable earlier Sportage when the three-letter red and silver oval badge comes to mind. No, now that their more modern counterparts are amongst the most advanced in their respective segments, plus new models such as the Sorento, Sedona and Amanti have forever changed the South Korean automakers brand identity, Kia is a name that commands a certain amount of respect.

Being that the long list of models which I just mentioned are responsible for an even longer list of global awards, a trend Kia would without doubt like

Nice looking car! Kia should have no trouble selling the new Optima. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to continue with the launch of its all-new midsize Optima sedan, Kia, the automaker which also claims the industrys freshest model lineup, should be able to increase its stake in the U.S. beyond its current hold. 

And after a day poking around inside and out, busily searching for any clearly evident and potential problems, driving it through winding country roads and on high-speed highways, getting to know the cars strengths and shortcomings as thoroughly as possible, Ive got a feeling that the new Optima will become very popular, and at the

Its rear three-quarter angle view is a personal favorite. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

same time continue modifying Americans perceptions about Kia.

The first, and possibly most important factor in wooing more Japanese-centric buyers away from Camry and Accord, is styling. Where the old car looked a bit too early-90s Chevy Corsica for my tastes, the new one has a unique character all its own. Yet in finding that character, Kia didnt resort to radical tactics, but rather had its designers create a conservatively attractive shape, less aggressive than some of its rivals, but still resulting in pureness of form, immediately recognizable as a Kia, yet at the same time a car that should appeal to most

Simple, clean lines typify the Optima approach to design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

peoples sense of good taste.

To me, it looks best from behind. Its unique taillights are extremely stylish, again in a subtle, nothing-to-prove fashion. This minimalism encompasses the cars rear end design, and carries forward from the top, outside extremities of the rear lamps via a simple, elegant shoulder line, balancing a large greenhouse above and solid lower flanks below, highlighted by body-color door handles and mirrors before tapering into sculpted front fenders that meet up with a strong hood bulge at center and large, eye-like headlamp clusters at each side. From the front, a large horizontally grille pattern with four chromed strakes widens the car, giving it

Again, nothing radical for the Optima interior. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

greater visual solidity, planting it more firmly on the ground.
Like the Optimas exterior design, Kia didnt attempt to break too many longstanding rules when forming the interior. The setup is conventional, the way most people like it, so you, like me, should find it immediately intuitive. The steering wheel is relatively thick and meaty, foreshadowing its soon to be realized performance capability, especially if covered with optional leather. Its general shape is ideal for proper hand positioning, with its topmost spokes curved where they meet the wheel so to comfortably accept a set of thumbs. The shifter is equally ergonomic, and like the steering wheel, lets on its performance characteristics by exposing a notched gate as well as

Supportive yet comfortable seats underpin a nicely sorted driving environment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a do-it-yourself manual-mode.

As much as I felt immediately comfortable with the cars primary controls, I particularly liked the gauge setup. The dials are large and clearly legible, and script simple and to the point - just like everything about this car. A closer look exposes needles that are clearly related to Hyundais Sonata, although not identical, which is not a bad thing but merely a point of interest. There is little else that lets on the two cars share a significant number of hidden components, which allows the Kia an almost completely unique identity inside and out.

Still, like the Sonata theres very little flash in the Optima. Leather can be had, for sure, and a decent quality, immediately raising the driver and passengers experience to a near-premium level.

The 5-speed automatic is a smooth-shifting gearbox with the advantage of manual mode for a more sporting experience. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

There are also a few aluminum-like trim details that give it a technical feel, but unlike most other cars Kia has spiced up these surfaces with a carbon-fiber like pattern, especially noticeable on the center console and shifter surround.

That transmission bridges todays technology gap with five forward speeds, the least of automatics still offering four and the most advanced in the midsize entry-level segment delivering six. Mated to the 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6, not the most powerful engine in the class but still energetic enough to feel sporting, shifts are crisp and precise, but then again, not so much that it forgets the need for refinement. When the manual-mode is used, the transmission holds its chosen gear right up to redline before shifting, not my favorite attribute as I would rather it hold its gear indefinitely,

Corners are no problem with the Optima "European Tuned" suspension. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

but more importantly maintains a given gear through corners, allowing for quicker acceleration out of the curve.

And it handles quite well, by the way, having snaked its way through some rather circuitous roads on our days travel. The Optima is set up with MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, designed to be more entertaining than the multi-link system in Hyundais Sonata, and I suppose if such a system is good enough for BMW, we should commend Kia for choosing it instead of merely adopting the Sonatas setup. Theres some truth to the simpler setup saving money too, which of course should be passed forward to its new owners, so again, not a bad thing. Like the Sonata, the rear setup is multi-link with coil springs, delivering stability over even rough surfaces.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo