Kia Optima: Family Car 2017 Comparison

Good buying in this segment
The current Kia Optima went on sale in Australia in late 2015. Despite optimistic sales forecasts of 3000 units per year, just 1358 Optimas were sold in 2016 and, so far this year, sales are down over 40 per cent.

It’s a sign of the times for mid-size sedans which are being crushed between well-specified small cars and well-priced SUVs. The Kia Cerato small car is currently outselling the Optima by 22 to 1, and sales of the popular Sportage SUV are up 31 per cent year to date.

It seems an unwinnable war for mid-size passenger cars, which is a shame as our comparison has shown this segment offers some really good buys.

Kia offers the Optima in two front-wheel drive variants. The entry grade ‘Si’ features a run-of-the-mill naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine while the ‘GT’ is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Both drive via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The range-topping ‘GT’ model is included in this comparison and, with a retail price of $44,490 plus on-road costs, the Kia Optima ‘GT’ is the most expensive of our bunch. For the money, the Kia at least offers the best warranty of the vehicles on test - its unlimited kilometre, seven-year warranty is supported with a seven-year/105,000km capped price servicing plan.

In terms of service intervals, you’re looking at 6-month/ 7,500km service intervals for the Optima ‘GT’ and 12 months’ roadside assistance is included (extended to seven years if you choose to service the vehicle at a Kia dealership).

According to redbook.com.au, the Optima ‘GT’ is expected to retain over 60 per cent of its initial sale price after three years. And that's based on a high distance travelled of 20,000km per year. If the Optima travels just 40,000km or less in its first three years its retained value could actually be up around 65%.

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates 180kW/350Nm and, while the Subaru Liberty ‘3.6R’ beats it with the most powerful engine in our test group, we found both the Optima ‘GT’ and Skoda Octavia ‘RS’ to be the sportiest of the cohort.

The Skoda Octavia ‘RS’ is energetic and offers better acceleration from a standing start, but the Optima ‘GT’ tries hard to trump its engagement, the Kia’s engine note boosted by a hearty intercooler and air intake system which stir the senses more than is anticipated from any car in this segment.

Yes, the Optima is quick enough off the mark to deliver some driver satisfaction, nevertheless the automatic transmission is not as crisp and predictive as the six-speed dual clutch system in the Octavia ‘RS’, so it requires use of the shift paddles to maintain a spirited momentum. Under load, the Optima ‘GT’ did use the most fuel of our group at 13.1L/100km against an ADR combined sticker claim of 8.1L/100km.

Both the suspension and steering in the Kia Optima ‘GT’ have been tuned for Australian roads, and the difference sets the Kia apart from each of the other vehicles on test. Riding on 18-inch wheels shod with 235/45 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, the Optima ‘GT’ does well to absorb choppy bumps and potholes, delivering a more comfortable ride than any vehicle in this contest. In contrast, the Skoda Octavia ‘RS’ is stiff, even in its comfort setting, while dynamically, the Ford Mondeo ‘Titanium’ lacks the road holding prowess of the Kia.

The Optima’s steering is well weighted, delivering sharp positioning on road and combined with a supple ride and the engaging engine tone, proves the Optima is somewhat of a driver’s car.

Room to move
Delivering plenty of family vehicle must haves, including space and technology, the Optima ‘GT’ also ticks the features boxes for most buyers.

The ride up-front is comfortable, with heated and cooled leather seats for driver and front passenger. While rear seat passengers miss out on heated seats, a feature of a number of cars on test, the Optima did at least offer plentiful head and leg room for adult passengers. A standard tilt and slide panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin further, delivering an overall feeling of spaciousness.

At 510-litres, the Optima has a huge boot, however the flexibility offered by the lift back openings on both the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Octavia may appeal more to buyers planning frequent trips to buy flat pack furniture.

The interior of the Optima ‘GT’ is modern, yet lacks the tech focus of the Ford Mondeo or the sophistication of the Mazda6. That said, it is well finished, and the no-cost red leather upholstery adds to the Optima’s sports credentials.

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As with all Kias, we found the dash layout clear, and easy to use. All buttons and dials are clearly marked and intuitively placed. The infotainment system, with a large 8-inch colour touchscreen is simple to navigate, with Bluetooth pairing some of the quickest we’ve experienced. And the 10-speaker premium Harmon Kardon audio system is a serious bit of kit, delivering the best clarity audio of the group.

Inductive charging is available for compatible phones, however there’s no app support, nor Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and there’s also no voice-control or DAB radio.

Advanced driver assistance technologies are standard and include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. The Kia does miss out on some handy features however, including auto parking, lane keep assist and 360 degree camera – all of which are available on the Skoda Octavia ‘RS’ and Ford Mondeo ‘Titanium’.

Does a solid car such as this deserve more than just 60 new owners a month? We think so, but pressure from small cars and SUVs is making the medium sedan segment a headache for all participating brands.

The arrival of the Kia Stinger won’t help the Optima GT’s cause either. The entry level Stinger S shares a retuned version of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but it is paired with a eight-speed automatic transmission and rear drive configuration which is set to give greater appeal for drivers.

Its arrival will surely mean the Optima ‘GT’ is due for a pricing realignment. The Stinger ‘S’ retails from just $45,990 and, as it is technically a shade smaller than the Optima, measuring 4830mm in length compared to the Optima’s 4855mm, it sits squarely in mid-size sedan territory.

Expect sharper deals on the Optima ‘GT’ soon.

2017 Kia Optima GT pricing and specifications:
Price: $44,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 199g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP