Kia Optima - easy to ogle and handle

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

In a brand-driven Jamaican automotive marketplace, where customers shop for vehicles by brand rather than product, the Korean-engineered Kia has been steadily gaining attention and attracting praise, competing with household names as it enjoys increasing presence on the road.

Still, with little knowledge of the vehicle's origin or performance, I travelled to the Kia Motors head office on Chelsea Avenue in Kingston, with an open mind to test drive the 2013 Kia Optima sedan. It doesn't hurt that the Optima was awarded International Car of the Year (2011-2013) at the North American International Auto Show.

I was immediately impressed with the eye-catching exterior, into which much effort and time had obviously been invested. The Optima boasts a three-dimensional signature grille, designed by the world-renowned German-born Peter Schreyer, chief design officer at Kia Motors (International).

SLEEK DESIGN

The face of the Optima features a chrome front grille strategically divided into two segments. The top half of the grille is bordered by HID headlights with auto levelling, while fog lights and LED daytime running lights are included in the lower front fascia. Two headlight washers have also been integrated below the headlights.

The rear view mirrors fold with the touch of a button to allow your Optima to fit into close spaces when parking. Turn-signal indicators are also integrated into the mirrors.

Continuing my walk around of the Optima I was especially impressed by the side view. The factory affixed 18-inch alloy sport rims are striking and will definitely turn heads. But the high point of the side view is the inclusion of bright chrome door moulding on the side fenders in front of the doors. It adds style to the Optima and amplifies its distinguished look. I also admire the chrome-plated door handles.

The Optima is equally as impressive from the rear, boasting dual exhaust mufflers with chrome tips. The LED taillights have been tested and proven to be brighter and more energy consuming than regular incandescent lights.

An inspection of the trunk revealed more than enough space needed for light, daily-luggage travel. I estimate that at least six fully packed suitcases can be accommodated and, if additional room is required, there is the option of flattening the rear passenger seats to create more.

The interior features, among other things, bluetooth wireless technology, USB auxiliary input jacks and push button start for smart key operation. The seat-memory mechanism is the defining

aspect of the Optima's interior. The sedan boasts a six-way adjustable driver's seat and four-way power adjustable front passenger seats.

The Kia Optima also comes equipped with everything available at the driver's fingertips on the steering wheel, reducing the potential for driver distraction. Impressively, the Optima has a cooling glove box that offers the convenience of keeping items chilled throughout the drive - an especially useful feature in Jamaica's tropical climate. There is also a panoramic tilt/sliding sun and moon roof.

It was time to test the performance and handling of the full-sized sedan, powered by a 2.4 litre engine that returns 35 miles per gallon. Equipped with my checklist, I tested the Optima's hill ascend and descend abilities in Beverly Hills. There were no problems maneuvering the Optima around steep corners. The sedan performed well on the slopes, without any sign of dragging or steering wheel stiffness.

The driving experience on rough terrain - I drove along a section of unpaved roadway on Mountain View Avenue - was also commendable, even though there is no four-wheel drive mechanism.

DRIVING WITH
EASE

The Optima accelerated and decelerated
comfortably, without the 'thud' that some vehicles give off. The turning
radius was impressive, as within seconds I was able to turn the vehicle
around and head in the direction I was coming
from.

As expected, the Optima did not go unnoticed, as
several pedestrians and motorists stared throughout my test
drive.

My only complaint was the low volume of the
horn. Throughout the journey I was unsure if persons heard when I
tooted, because I had trouble hearing the horn
myself.

My favourite Kia Optima features are the power
adjustable seats, which memorise seating positions, the bright chrome
door molding and easily adjustable steering wheel.

The
Kia Optima can be the beacon of change for Kia Motors in their attempt
to gain popularity among Jamaican consumers.

The
Optima is now on sale at a reduced cost of $4
million.