Kia Optima 2015 Sxl Turbo Road Test Review
Machine Review: 2015 Kia Optima SX Turbo
If you need proof of how far Kia has turned itself around, the stylish and upscale Optima is it
Buckling up, my hiking buddy Kath glanced appreciatively effectually the motel while searching out the buns-warmer switch.
"Some other one of your fancy press cars?" she asked.
"This," I said, "is a Kia."
"Hmm. Sure doesn't expect like 1."
Actually, information technology does. The Optima is typical of Kia's current design language, from its tiger-olfactory organ grille to its European-influenced sheet metal. That a production of a Korean automaker, one time known for its cheap and forgettable vehicles, could exist mistaken for something more than premium, is fitting tribute to the man largely credited for the company'southward transformation.
In acquiring former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia conspicuously signalled its intent to re-invent itself as a producer of high quality, feature-laden vehicles with cracking styling. Thanks to some smart design decisions, the automaker went from well-nigh-bankruptcy to becoming a forepart-runner in the span of a decade.
Probably the all-time example of Kia's evolution, the U.Due south.-built Optima is the company's superlative-selling model. It'south a handsome sedan, a classic wedge shape with crisply executed character lines. The front finish is sharp, futuristic and at this trim level, features a distinctive set of quad cluster LED driving lights. On the front fenders are a pair of purely decorative, chrome-trimmed vents and there are discreet touches of chrome on the door handles. Twin chrome exhaust tips mounted in a diffuser-style fascia finish up the rear finish.
Too read: Our review of the Kia Optima Hybrid
While the Optima competes in the same mid-size sedan category as the Toyota Camry, the interior quality is more on par with Lexus. It's a clean, modern, driver-centric environment, nicely executed and boasting details that are suggestive of a much more expensive sedan. There's more stitched leather than you'd expect to find in this segment, and it'due south tastefully augmented with brushed metallic trim.
Sports-style bucket seats are comfortably supportive and are both heated and cooled. I was delighted with the steering wheel, which could've been swiped straight out of an Audi TT. Wrapped in thick and grippy leather, the apartment-bottomed wheel, which featured the moulded thumb grips of a genuine sports car. Surprisingly, however, it wasn't heated. Not that that's an oversight in this segment (and it is available in non-turbo models) – but it was nowadays on the humble Rio 5 I'd driven recently. However, the Optima redeemed itself with some other luxe touch – heated rear seats. Two adults can ride comfortably with plenty of legroom, but that stylish sweep of roofline cuts slightly into head room for taller passengers.
Clean and organized, the heart stack houses an eight-inch infotainment screen organization that's refreshing in its simplicity. My feel with these things generally ends in expletive-filled exasperation. Other than some rather peculiar vocalism control interpretation – which really, could be blamed on my wording, afterward all, "Peterborough, Ontario" does sound quite a bit like "Dorval, Quebec" – nosotros got forth without a hitch. Between the gauges, a 4.3-inch TFT screen displays various audio and vehicle data. I specially liked the solid feel of the switchgear, and the fact that there wasn't an overwhelming abundance of information technology.
That sense of premium solidity carries over out on the road, where the Optima'due south pause does an beauteous job of delivering a quiet, well-damped ride. Perchance too quiet; yous'd expect some hint of engine note or frazzle rumble from the otherwise sporty variant of the lineup. While it may not vocalize its performance, the Optima Turbo has no trouble with delivery. The ii.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 274 horsepower – merely more importantly, its 269 lb.-ft. of torque is available well-nigh immediately, making the Optima very quick to answer.
Recently added to all SX and SX Express models is a new Drive Mode Select System that let me toggle through Eco, Normal and Sport depending on whether I felt like driving for fun, or making the virtually of my gas budget. Although I spent a lot of time in soft and leisurely Eco, Sport mode's quicker throttle response and weightier steering made on-ramps slightly more interesting. Calling it "exciting" would be a stretch, equally information technology lacks the steering feel and compelling exhaust annotation of a true performance sedan.
At that place'south no shortage of good choices in the fiercely competitive mid-size segment, with equally as many compelling reasons to choose them. The also-stylish Ford Fusion has the added bonus of all-bike-bulldoze, the Toyota Camry, almost legendary reliability, and the Honda Accord, a reputation for high resale value. For buyers who want precipitous styling, plenty of features and a premium expect – without the premium price, the Kia Optima fits the bill nicely.
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Source: https://driving.ca/reviews/road-test/car-review-2015-kia-optima-sx-turbo
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