The whole photo session
What Kia's marketers have done well with is the name of the mid-size sedan - Optima. You couldn't think of it better. And what is this car really like? For what and for whom is it optimal?
This time my assessment will be more objective. My friend Mikhail, a journalist by training, author and publisher of many books, as well as newspapers and magazines, will help me. He is a motorist with 30 years of experience, started with domestic models, then changed several foreign cars. The Korean Kia Optima, in my opinion, would suit him as well as possible, it is quite consistent with his position and income.
However, Mikhail looks at cars in a special way. He prefers practical models of classes B and C with hatchback bodies, since sometimes he himself has to carry copies of books, magazines and other printing products. The D-class sedans today offer excellent trunks, and a friend of mine might well get one of them. But cars with five doors are more convenient for Mikhail's purposes, and besides, they are significantly cheaper. He prefers to invest the saved money either in his own business or in real estate.
"Near-sports" version
And yet, having found time, he agrees to participate in a test ride in the Kia Optima. In our hands was a car in the GT-Line version. It has a "regular" 2.4-liter 188-horsepower engine, but the design brings some elements of sportiness. In addition to the nameplates on the body, one of the first to attract attention is the "cut" from the bottom wheel(also labeled GT-Line). Another test mother-of-pearl white sedan boasts a black roof: it has a panoramic roof made of tinted glass. The front part can be opened - this is a hatch that can be electrically moved forward or backward, and when it is open, a small mesh spoiler automatically rises in the front part of the opening, protecting the interior from possible ingress of dust, insects and other unwanted fines.
The interior with the dark trim of the upper part gives the impression of a low, "flat", however, sitting inside, my passenger and I do not feel the pressure of the ceiling: we have enough height with a margin. My friend is a little shorter than me, and my height is 182 cm, and behind me, too, there is enough "air" above my head. And there is real space for the knees - when landing "behind me" I have thirty-four centimeters of space. This is a very good indicator! In the middle, a tunnel of small height protrudes from the floor; it will not interfere with the landing of the middle passenger. Mikhail also notes that the back row is spacious, he has a large family, he already has two grandchildren, and a couple of child seats could easily be accommodated in Optima to travel with them.
But first, of course, we inspect and discuss the front of the cabin. We talk without raising our voices at all: the doors and body of the Kia sedan are a reliable barrier from the noise of the underground parking, and then from the streets, the sounds barely penetrate here from the outside. Just like Mikhail, this is my first acquaintance with Optima. And in the very first minutes I notice how quiet the engine is working here. Neither being outside next to the car, nor sitting in the cabin, you practically do not catch the sound of the engine rustling on Idling... And along the labyrinth of parking Kia Optima moves without adding "gas" so quietly and smoothly that it seems as if it has not gasoline under the hood, but Electrical engine... This is a pleasant surprise.
The dark interior of the sedan in the twilight of the underground parking at first seems like a cave, but when the engine is turned on, the illumination of all controls automatically flashes and the instrument panel comes to life. To be honest, I don't like the red illumination of the buttons and keys, but if it were white here, the dashboard would look more boring. The gauges are backlit in white, and the Supervision combo is reminiscent of both the Kia cee`d and the big Sorento crossover. Mikhail is familiar with the cee`d model, his son Pavel has such a car. The car has already covered almost 130 thousand kilometers and is valued in the family for its reliability. This is also why my acquaintance is looking at the car with an addiction. Kia brands.
Appearance updated in 2015 KIA Optima has not changed much, but all the body panels are new. The sedan has grown in length by 10 mm (up to 4855 mm), in width by 25 mm and in height by 30 mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 10 mm (up to 2805 mm). The inner space of the car has also "grown up". The quality of finishing materials has improved, and the list of equipment includes such items as a system of all-round video cameras, monitoring systems for "blind" zones and warnings about cars behind when leaving the parking lot reverse, "Car park operator", a roof with a panoramic view, Harman / Kardon audio system, front seat ventilation and heated rear row of seats.
But there is something to think about: for about the same price as the Optima sedan, you can get a "regular" Sorento (not Prime, which costs much more). Of course, the basic crossover configuration will be devoid of many pleasant options, but still it is a large and solid car, moreover, with an all-wheel drive transmission. But looking at Mikhail, for some reason I think that Optima would be much more suitable for him. He is a business man, various meetings and negotiations in his offices take place much more often than forays into nature. For such a person, a representative sedan is more important, as well as, of course, a business suit, and not a T-shirt and cargo trousers.
I will say even more: if I know you even a little, I can assume which car (at least the type) "suits" you more, and which - less. Not suitable for lifestyle and occupation, namely, it goes like clothes. Of course, you have the right to disagree with me, but it happens, from the outside it is better to know. By the way, I will not say that expensive executive models, as well as sports coupe unconditionally go to everyone. This is absolutely not the case.
But back to Optima. Mikhail and I have many common topics of conversation, but I secretly try to imagine myself as his personal driver. He tells me about a meeting in a major print publication, and I imagine myself taking him to negotiations. It is clear that in this case you should drive the car as smoothly as possible, and of the three driving modes available in Optima, I choose the economical one. But soon I give it up - and not because of the "vegetable" character. We don't need dynamics now, we need comfort, and in the eco-mode the six-band “automatic” on the “Optima” very often selects gears, and, although the changes occur smoothly, they are still noticeable. In this situation, the normal mode is more optimal, it has no name here, and when the other two are selected, the ECO or SPORT symbols light up in the instrument cluster.
In city traffic, the difference in dynamics when choosing a particular mode is not perceived as very noticeable. In each of the modes, acceleration from 60 to 80 km / h takes about 4 seconds. This is quite enough for anticipation and operational rebuilding. But when maneuvering, you should remember about two "inconveniences". First, if you have installed the driver's seat close to the floor, the lower part of the right mirror may "hide" behind the door panel. And second, the “dead zones” control system is triggered, in my opinion, too early. You expect a car to appear to your right or left, but there is no car. You start rebuilding - it turns out that he still exists, because he finally caught up with you. In general, this system on "Optima" rather weakly helps the driver.
Otherwise, the behavior of the Korean sedan in the city deserves only high marks. The car quickly responds to the turns of the steering wheel (2 ¾ turn from lock to lock), pleasing with a pleasant effort (thanks to the electric booster). It has a high ride and slight roll in corners. Smooth city streets do not show all the advantages of the suspension, we will appreciate them later, outside Moscow. In the megalopolis we are threatened only by speed bumps, it is advisable to meet them on Optima with reverence.
Mikhail likes the 360-degree camera system. He has never had the opportunity to bring up a top view on the screen before, and he appreciates this option. Unfortunately, I forgot to show him self-parking. Itself for the sake of interest (more out of mischief) suggested "Optima" to park between cars, parked perpendicularly. Well, she did the maximum she could: she determined the gap that was suitable for the size and almost "blended" into it. But at the last moment, I discovered that the car, which turned out to be behind us, was parked a little at an angle, which might cause us to run out of space with the Optima. The experiment had to be interrupted.
The car carried out standard parking both sideways and "nose" to the curb without a hitch. You don't have to be afraid of borders. The Optima has long overhangs, which makes the front end and the stern seem to hang low over the asphalt. However, measurements showed that the gap under the "lip" front bumper not so small - 25.5 cm. The clearance under the body sills is 19.5 cm, about the same - under the rear wheel mudguards. The vehicle's ground clearance according to the passport data is 15.5 cm.
When I received the car at the press park, I recorded in my memory the 15-liter fuel consumption displayed by the on-board computer. Frankly speaking, a lot, even for a city with traffic jams. Maybe the previous driver was abusing the Optima's dynamics? I try to save money and use ECO mode. In a traffic jam city mode, it is possible to achieve a 14-liter consumption. Well, then the economical settings of the engine control electronics are working.
On the highway and beyond
According to the conditions of an impromptu test, Mikhail and I need to move forward for negotiations in one of the cities near Moscow. Almost all the way there runs along the motorway, and, moreover, not teeming with speed cameras. Almost always, they are completely absent here (mobile posts rarely appear), so we enjoy the dynamics of the car in full.
Of course, we part with the ECO-mode right away. Formally, it does not limit the dynamic qualities of Optima too much, but in fact ... Try the "normal" and "sport" modes and you will immediately feel the difference. SPORT mode provides acceleration from 80 to 120 km / h in about 8 seconds, in ECO mode, a couple of seconds are added exactly. However, on a multi-lane highway, we do not need to make risky overtaking (only advancing). For reference: the version of the GT-Line, "armed" with a 2.4-liter 188-horsepower naturally aspirated engine with direct injection, according to the passport data, accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h in 9.1 s (the turbocharged Optima GT does this by almost two seconds faster).
At a speed of about 150 km / h, the cabin is still comfortable. Mikhail receives a phone call and speaks without raising his voice. I am less "lucky": an incoming call to my phone, received via the Bluetooth system, is unexpectedly interrupted, however, most likely, due to the peculiarities of the terrain on which we pass. In fact, hands-free in Optima works perfectly. The device not only easily identified my phone, but also connected to it instantly. It was amusing to take the call on the receiver, get into the car during the conversation, start the engine - and suddenly hear the subscriber's voice from the Optima's loudspeakers. This is the kind of operational communication here.
When communicating with Mikhail while driving, we practically forget about the world around us, it is so comfortable in the cabin, especially in terms of acoustics. However, the suspension begins to remind of itself. We pass the rare joints and seams of the asphalt road with a clearly distinguishable "whipping" sound. However, this does not greatly reduce comfort, but only serves as a reminder that we have a car in the test in the GT-Line version. Of course, he is as far away from a real GT as the Moon ...
And the car's behavior in asphalt ruts spoils the idyll a little more. Extremely unpleasant yawing instantly appears - this despite the fact that the directional stability of the Optima is worthy of imitation. And on smooth arcs the car "stands" well. AND Michelin tires Pilot Sport 3 is not noisy.
Optima changes in technically- the share of high-strength steels in the power structure of the body increased from 20 to 51 percent. Thanks to this, its mass has decreased by almost ten kilograms, and the torsional stiffness has increased. The platform on which the car is built remains the same, but the attachment points of the front suspension subframe have changed, longer trailing arms of the rear multi-link, and more rigid silent blocks have appeared. All power units now have direct injection fuel, with the exception of the "junior" two-liter engine with a capacity of 150 liters. with.
A strange "aftertaste" remained from the brakes. The first slowdowns soon after the start of the movement are excellent, the pads "grasp" confidently, even a little harshly. But if you slow down several times in a row, the sharpness of the “grasping” disappears somewhere. Are the pads overheating? I do not believe! They seem to be rather not heating up enough. Because the lack of sharpness of "grasping", for the most part, is felt at low speeds, but try to brake a little more intensively - and everything again comes in full order.
The “handbrake” in this configuration of the “Optima” is electronic. Forgot to unlock it after stopping? It doesn’t matter - at the beginning of the movement it will “blossom” itself. Moreover, it is practically silent.
I would like to draw Mikhail's attention to the work of the “automatic machine”. Using the paddle shifters, you can increase or decrease the gear at any time, even in D mode. The response to pressing the paddle will follow instantly. What happens if you forget to change gears manually? After about a minute, the box will return to automatic mode. But only on condition that the nature of the movement does not change. If you slow down the vehicle, the unit will drop the gear itself when the engine speed drops to 1200. And then it will drop more and more, up to the first gear, in case of a stop.
You don't need to use the manual mode often. Gear shifting is already smooth and timely. Of the only three driving modes on the highway, I would prefer "normal". When choosing the "economical" mode, the "automatic" sometimes gets confused in the gears, choosing the optimal one, and this is felt by the driver. Is fuel being saved? To assess this, a longer route would have to be taken. In our case, having driven about 250 km along the highway, we got an average consumption of 95 gasoline in the amount of 7.4 liters per 100 km. In my opinion, more than an impressive result! On a longer "shoulder" it is possible, apparently, to achieve a lower indicator, including by using the cruise control, which, of course, is also in the "Optima".
When choosing the sport mode "automatic", the engine spins up to 4000 rpm, and only then the gear change follows. In economy and normal modes, switching occurs at 2500-3000 rpm.
In a small town near Moscow, the roads cease to please us with their quality. And already in its suburbs ... The asphalt is literally dotted with pits, and in some places the coverage disappears altogether. How does Optima behave? Optimally, there is no other way to put it. Relatively small potholes can be ignored, they hardly disturb the comfort of the riders. And when passing large ones, you just need to drop the speed to a reasonable one. It would seem naive advice, but after all, many today believe that not only cars are created for them, but the whole world revolves around their persons. Pits under the wheels? Feel free to hit them, and if something is wrong with the car after that, it means that the car is bad, and not the driver.
Mikhail doesn’t belong to such "vodyatl" and shows caution, even when I offer him a place behind the wheel in an enclosed area. Out of habit, everything seems to him harsh and redundant: both dynamics and work brake system... But he, on the contrary, assesses the Optima's suspension as soft, in his European model it is much stiffer. He says that on these bumps, his old hatchback would have shaken our souls out of us long ago.
I suggest Mikhail try out the stabilization system. The conditions are most suitable here: the asphalt is almost evenly mixed with sand and gravel; if gas is added, the car will certainly rip off the front wheels, but there is no danger of chipping the tires. My friend can't get the ESC to work on the first try. He is a cautious driver, accustomed to driving with sober calculation. He happened to feel the loss of control on slippery roads, and he took this as lessons and warnings. I demonstrate to him the capabilities of the stabilization system, accelerating the Optima, and then throwing it into a turn. Here the electronic "collar" is on, and the car does not want to succumb to provocation, resists the addition of "gas". Now let's try to "dissolve" it by disabling ESC, and what then? The “swing” when turning becomes a little wider, but “Optima” does not completely relax, continuing to insure the driver and passengers.
On the same site, we appreciated the work of ABS, which intervened with lightning speed in the process of slowing down the Optima, as soon as the wheels received a hint of blocking and skidding. However, now you will not surprise anyone with the presence of ABS, the system is present even on budget models and, in most cases, does an excellent job with its duties. And what else did Mikhail like and dislike, as a potential buyer of a car of this class? We stopped and left the car many times, and we also had to get cameras out of the bags that were in the back seat. So, my friend found that, sitting in front, to get something from rear seat problematic, the salon is so big. He also noted that the Korean sedan is too persistently guarding our luggage, blocking the central lock at any opportunity. However, most likely, this is a configurable function, and "annoying" blocking can be disabled.
The trunk of the sedan pleasantly surprised Mikhail with an enviable volume (510 liters), he also liked the possibility of folding the backrest of the rear sofa. But I forgot to tell him that a similar folding mechanism is used on a much more expensive model - Jaguar XF. Let potential buyers know it will flatter them. Is the trunk convenient in Kia? Yes, but its loading opening is small, only 44x108 cm. But maximum length trunk - 112 cm, and with the back of the rear sofa folded down - almost 2 m.
According to Mikhail, he would give a high score to the front seat. Having imitated a landing on him at the wheel, at the end of the trip, he said that after two hundred kilometers, his back was not at all tired, with which, alas, he was experiencing problems. We didn’t test heated seats during the summer weather, but we simply forgot about the ventilation function of the seats, which was in the test version. Rather, they didn't even forget - they just managed to freeze when the air conditioner was running. It seemed to Mikhail that about 22 degrees of heat in the cabin were optimal, while for me it was a couple of degrees lower, and there was no need to look for a compromise: the climate control in Optima was two-zone.
In the Russian market, the updated Kia Optima is offered in six trim levels with three options gasoline engine: two-liter "atmospheric" with a capacity of 150 liters. with., also an atmospheric 2.4-liter GDi engine with a capacity of 188 liters. with. and a two-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 245 liters. with. on the most expensive version of the GT (about 1.8 million rubles). We tested the GT-Line modification with a 2.4-liter 188 hp engine. with. and a six-band "automatic", estimated at about 1.6 million rubles. A manual six-speed gearbox is available only on the initial version of the car, which costs about 1.1 million rubles.
During the conversations during the trip, we did not pay attention to the "music" installed in the "Optima", but the audio system here is even very serious - Harman / Kardon. Having parted with my fellow traveler, I did not fail to turn it on and turn it up - and the system pleased me very much with its rich bass, especially in those compositions in which it was recorded. I also regretted later that I had not shown Mikhail the operation of the navigation system. And here it is very functional, in particular, messages about the need to make a turn are duplicated on the screen on-board computer which is very convenient.
Over-optimal
In general, it seemed to me that in the case of Optima, Kia engineers tried to put into practice the idea of creating an ideal car by compiling various elements of other cars. Well, look, doesn't this automatic selector remind you of Audi, and the organization of the “music” control reminds you of BMW? The instrument cluster does not need to be borrowed, it is on Kia vehicles, starting with the cee`d model, is generally close to ideal. The multimedia system screen in the center of the dashboard is hidden under a visor and does not fade so much in bright daylight, and at night its readability is excellent. The music stick is easy to change on the go. The lumbar support roller at the driver's seat can be adjusted not only in "thickness", but also moved up and down (both settings are electrically driven). Perhaps I will not even name a single detail or function that I would like to see improved with the next Optima update! Optimal car?
Perhaps I would call it even more than optimal. It is not "averaged" to the extreme like some VW models, but neither does it claim to be luxury. He's not shy about being Kia, being himself. He is ready to work in his specialty, just like the entrepreneur Mikhail, who is ready to sacrifice his status for the sake of the cause and immerse himself in Personal car products of their company. Behind "Optima" is the most intensive work of a South Korean company, which started literally from scratch and within a few years has grown into a global brand. Mikhail and I remember the times when the name Kia did not exist yet, and little was known about the Republic of South Korea. Talking during the test trip, we recalled the companies that had lost their leadership in the market, despite the rich history, traditions, “loudness” of names. Their places were taken by those who worked, worked and worked again. Well, or those who have reached high positions not by market methods at all.
website Photo of the author's photoClass D sedans have been quite popular lately. An example is Kia Optima 2018 new body, equipment and prices, photo which will be presented in this material. When creating this car, the Sonata chassis was used, which determines some similarities. The new generation is available in 7 equipment variants. Most affordable offer Kia Optima 2018 comes at a price of 1,179,000 rubles... All versions come exclusively with front-wheel drive, but there are only three to choose from gasoline engine... Only one car comes with a manual transmission, but all the rest with a new automatic transmission. Quite high popularity previous generation determines the generated excitement around the new, which we will talk about in more detail later.
Another Korean novelty
Specifications
The dimensions of the new sedan are as follows:
- Length 4845 mm.
- Body height 1455 mm.
- The width of the car was 1830 mm.
- The wheelbase has been extended to 2795 mm.
Due to the use of high-strength steel, they were able to significantly increase the rigidity of the structure and controllability. The sedan weighs 1448 kg.
Exterior of Kia Optima 2018
Depending on the equipment, the appearance of the car may vary slightly. The exterior is characterized by:
- Slanting modern optics and a radiator grill.
- The bumper is made as part of the body, it has two air intakes on the sides and one in the middle.
- The rear is slightly raised, the headlights are narrow and slanted, two tailpipes stand out exhaust system.
In expensive equipment, the car looks very interesting and sporty.
Interior
The salon is made at a high level for its class:
- Three-spoke steering wheel (the lower one is represented by double support).
- High-quality instrument panel in the form of a display.
- The center console opens into a tunnel between the front seats, where the various control units are located. There is also a compartment for various things and an armrest made in the form of a box.
- The back row is decorated simply, represented by a three-seater seat with the possibility of separating them with an armrest.
For decoration, fabric, plastic, leather and other materials are used. In more expensive equipment options, leather is also used to trim the steering wheel and automatic transmission selector, seat and some trim elements.
Options and prices Kia Optima 2018 in a new body
Today, most of the drivers pay attention to inexpensive offers that have an acceptable combination of quality and price. The new Kia Optima 2018 can be purchased in the following trim levels:
1. Classic
Supplied with petrol 2.0 and 150 hp. This power unit is paired with a manual transmission. In the classic design, the drive wheels are exclusively front. List additional options very large: the windshield is heated, the mirrors are electrically operated and heated.
A full-size wheel was placed in the car. Head optics are used for modern technology... Light-alloy wheels, size R16. Outside, an exhaust pipe is installed, which is chrome-plated. All seats in this version are finished in fabric. A set of airbags is responsible for safety, as well as ESC system and ABS, VSM and HAS, ESS. The installed steering wheel is multifunctional, all glasses are powered by electrical accessories. In order to maintain the desired speed on the highway, cruise control was installed with the ability to automatically adjust depending on conditions. The lighting level in the passenger compartment is regulated by a light sensor. V basic configuration no climate control, air conditioning is installed.
The audio system has USB outputs and AUX. Speakers throughout the cabin provide a three-dimensional sound effect.
2. Comfort
Everything comes with the same motor, but it comes with an automatic transmission. The price of this version is 1,299,000 rubles. Additional equipment is represented by a head optics cleaning system, which in turn can be adapted to the road situation. The alloy wheels are R16 and the driver's seat is electrically adjustable with lumbar adjustment. In addition, the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted in two directions.
In addition to installed systems active safety install ESS. The outdated air conditioner has been replaced with dual-zone climate control. Note that the front and rear windows are electrically operated with the function of preventing the clamping of various things or hands.
3. Luxe
This version can be purchased with the previously mentioned engine and the 2.4 liter version, which has 188 hp. The first option costs 1,419,000 rubles, the second 1,499,000 rubles. In addition to the previously mentioned configuration, install alloy wheels R17, the rear lights are manufactured using diode technology.
The dashboard has a quality 4.3-inch display. All seats are upholstered in leather. The driver's seat is equipped with an electric control drive and memory. In addition, parking can take place using sensors located in the front and rear. Hand brake electric, there is a function remote control glasses. The audio system has been replaced by a 7-inch display that displays navigation information. When reversing, a rear-view camera with dynamic markings is activated.
4. Luxe FCC
Also available with two motors, the price is 1,451,000 and 1,532,000 rubles, respectively. The main differences of this version are the special interior design and some decorative elements of the exterior.
5. Prestige
They sell at a price of 1,499,000 and 1,579,000 rubles, respectively. In this version, the sedan has a seat building with a heating function, xenon head optics, can adjust its tilt and angle of rotation depending on the trajectory of movement.
An airbag was placed for the front passenger and driver, which helps to reduce the degree of leg injury in an accident. In addition, the BSD system will monitor the blind spot; when reversing from the parking space, the RCTA assistant turns on. The engine starts with a button, there is a keyless entry system. Mobile devices can be recharged via a universal wireless charger.
A large display was placed on the center console, the audio system has 10 speakers throughout the cabin, as well as a subwoofer and an external amplifier.
6. GT-line
The version under this name is available exclusively with an 188 horsepower engine and automatic transmission at a price of 1,679,000 rubles. Under such a catchy name, a car is spread that has a rich equipment: a panoramic sunroof, modern adaptive head optics, the interior has various chrome elements.
Now the seats in the front are not only heated, but also ventilated. The interior has decorative lighting of various elements. In order to give the car a sporty look, two exhaust pipes are installed. Parking can now take place in automatic mode, for which an intelligent system was installed, as well as a circular view system, consisting of 4 cameras. Taillights blacked out, changed the grille and bumpers, making them more sporty. In order to heavily mark this configuration, the front calipers are painted red.
7. GT
Comes with new two-liter engine 245 h.p. Due to the installation of a powerful motor and additional options, the cost of this proposal increased to 1,829,000 rubles. The designers tried to make this version more sporty, for which they installed R18 wheels. The rear brake calipers have also been painted red. A sports steering wheel was installed, the seats have a corresponding logo. The steering system has also been improved in order to improve the vehicle's handling.
Kia Optima 2018 new model, Photo which attracts the eye, has a good basic equipment, in an expensive version resembles a racing car.
To the delight of lovers of sedans "more authentic" from February last year a new generation has appeared in Russian showrooms, already the fourth in a row. The design of the car, which came from the pen of the indefatigable Peter Schreier, fell in love with our compatriots, as evidenced by the impressive results. In January-September of this year, 8680 people made a choice in favor of Optima - and this, for a second, is twice as much as in three quarters of 2016, when only 4283 cars were sold.
Cars of this class are purchased, of course, not by Rockefellers, but at least by people with an above-average income. That is, if you do not take into account those characters who are ready to eat "doshirak" for years, if only the neighbors choked with saliva, looking at them. Therefore, it is natural that "Optima" has a spectacular appearance, a spacious interior and a fairly powerful engine.
Frankly, I liked the exterior of Schreier's brainchild. He is simultaneously aggressive, strict and modern - although, in principle, the same can be safely said about any of his classmates. Still, there is something very extraordinary in the “Korean”, which favorably distinguishes it from the background. It is not without reason that the elegantly sporty, expressively outlined silhouette of the “Optima” passing by evokes enthusiastic glances from casual onlookers.
I did not find any flaws in the salon either. The sedan in the GT Line configuration - and I had a car in this configuration for a test drive - can boast dashboard with a 4.3-inch display, a flat-bottom steering wheel rim and selector, trimmed with soft-touch leather, gearshift paddles and a multimedia system that is intuitive to interact with. In a word, the interior is laconic and refined as much as it is typical except for the “Germans”.
Lovers of romance will surely like the panoramic electric sunroof, decorative aluminum inserts, seats with contrasting stitching and interior lighting. The decor will be appreciated and I have no doubt about it.
Music lovers will no doubt delight in the premium Harman / Kardon audio system with ten speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier. However, rather than even music lovers, but regulars of nightclubs - they hammer on the ears so that at least arrange a party, since the roomy salon will allow you to invite a considerable number of friends, curtains on rear windows they will take care of the conspiracy, and the heating of all the seats will help out in the event that alcoholic drinks suddenly run out on a cold winter evening.
Optima will not disappoint those who consider themselves a real driver, enjoying every minute spent behind the wheel. Of course, it is difficult to expect animal power from a 2.4-liter engine with 188 horsepower, but in tandem with a six-speed automatic transmission gear he still knows how to give pleasure. However, let's not forget: our "Korean" is a sedan designed for an imposing driving style. Naturally, it is not forbidden to try to drive from the heart on an empty track on it, but do not count on some incredible sensations from these exercises. Everything is within the expected.
Someone may notice that calling the KIA Optima practical can only be a stretch. Well, it's hard to argue. With a ground clearance of 155 mm, you can't even stick to the lungs without heart sinking and eye twitching. The average fuel consumption, which is officially declared at 8.3 l / 100 km, and in fact gets out for 12 liters, will ruin only the aforementioned eater of "doshirak", but will also surprise a wealthy gentleman unpleasantly. In a cramped urban space, problems will surely arise - a "ship" with a length of 4855, a width of 1860 and a height of 1485 mm will not squeeze in everywhere. And how attractive this car is in the eyes of hijackers ... But again, the listed disadvantages are a feature of the class.
The start on the Leningradskoe highway and the passage through the city in conditions of heavy traffic left no reason for comment. But the exit to the toll highway M11 immediately generated a stream of vivid emotions. Acceleration in a matter of seconds to hundreds is accompanied by the bass rumbling of a two-liter turbocharged engine diluted by the rustling of 18-inch tires. In motion, the 6-speed automatic smoothly juggles gears, it is easy to meter traction with the gas pedal, and the suspension clearly smoothes the joints of the roadway. Guided by the advice of my fellow crew members, I try the Smart mode: the innovation allows changing the gearshift algorithm without any additional actions on the part of the driver, adapting the car to the current driving style - economical, comfortable or sporty.
We are dealing with the Premium version - one of seven configuration options for the updated business-class sedan Kia Optima, sales of which started in Russia in August. During the current Optima upgrade fourth generation only laconic touches were made that allowed the model to remain itself, but become even more modern. Externally, the radiator grille (now offered in two versions) and bumpers have changed (the rear one can be ordered in combination with a diffuser and overhead muffler pipes). In addition, all xenon lamps in the headlights were replaced with LED ones. Fog lights also received a different design. Narrow horizontal sections of three LEDs, popularly referred to as "three diamonds", distinguish the car on the road and serve as one of the characteristic features that make it possible to unmistakably distinguish the Optima of the 2018 model year.
The profile of a business sedan is also not devoid of a flight of design thought. Just look at a fresh drawing wheel rims from light alloy and longitudinal decorative "gills" on the front fenders, reminiscent of the sporty character of the car. In general, it looks neat and without a challenge to conservative consumers. “Design is one of the main factors of our success,” say Kia Motors Rus marketers.
To match the appearance and ergonomics of the cabin. However, the designers did not introduce fundamental innovations in the layout, limiting themselves to the touches that made the interior more modern. Major changes in the literal sense of the word before the eyes of the driver. The instruments in the new chrome frame are easy to read, the panels and controls are pleasant to the touch. The multifunction steering wheel has been redesigned for the audio and cruise control buttons. And this change is clearly for the better.
The designers did not introduce fundamental innovations in the layout, limiting themselves to the touches that made the interior more modern.
After sunset, another interior update becomes noticeable - the contour lighting of the interior, flowing along the dashboard and the armrests of the front doors. In the menu of the on-board computer, you can choose one of six colors. The shade of the backlight can be changed to match the driving mode selected with Drive Mode. For example, Smart mode is preset to soft blue color background lighting. Wide ranges of driver's seat settings and spaciousness on the back sofa make the model universal: the owner can comfortably sit behind the wheel himself, the Optima is also suitable for driving with a hired driver.
The engine start / stop button received a chrome bezel. The electric parking brake is supplemented with an Autohold function.
The business class segment dictates the equipment that should be in the car. The updated Optima sedan has something to brag about in this regard. The vehicle is equipped with an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen LCD display (7-inch optional) and access to information networks. In addition to information about traffic situation and fixation cameras traffic violations, he has access to the search for attractions, getting information about the weather and other useful information on the road. In the updated Optima, it became possible to force the rear view camera to be activated even while driving forward. This gives the driver an additional rear-view angle, and the virtual lane markings allow you to check whether the next car behind is too close. The AVM all-round viewing system operates in a higher resolution - up to 1 megapixel. AVM greatly simplifies parking maneuvers at low speeds, forming on the display several combinations of images of areas of interest to the driver, including a virtual "top view". Another one new technology Optima now features a wireless charging system for smartphones. The platform is located at the bottom of the center console. It can work with all devices that support the WPC (Qi) protocol.
Instruments in a new chrome frame are easy to read. Wireless charging for smartphones is becoming more and more popular.
Many competitors make their sales volumes on one, usually basic, configuration. The Korean automaker is offering the updated business sedan in five levels and seven equipment options, which can be complemented by ordering, for example, "warm options" or making the power more sporty with the GT Line package.
On top trim levels a panoramic roof and an electric sunroof are provided.
V motor range three gasoline engines. The basic 2-liter Nu 2.0 CVVL (155 hp) can be purchased with a 6-speed "manual" or automatic. Prices start at RUB 2,219,900. Moreover, even in the most affordable configuration, the car will have 16-inch wheels with alloy wheels, heated front seats, stability control and tire pressure monitoring systems, lift start assistant US.
For the most popular in Russia engine Theta 2.4 l GDI (188 hp) and the already mentioned two-liter turbocharged Theta T-GDI (245 hp), only an automatic machine is available. Optima is well prepared for Russian conditions... This car offers comfort in city traffic jams and quite confidently rushes on regional roads of average quality. We note the successful settings of the suspension and steering, the severity of which changes depending on the selected transmission mode. By the way, the GT Line version of the updated Kia Optima is equipped with a power steering system with an electric motor on the rail (R-MDPS). This solution provides the most accurate reactions to the driver's actions and the most "transparent" feedback... All this is needed to improve the handling of the sports version.
An intelligent tailgate opening system with proximity sensor is available starting with the Luxe trim level.
Optima is also supported by another significant competitive advantage - a five-year warranty. Like all models of the Russian Kia line, updated sedan produced at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.
Specifications Kia Optima |
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| Dimensions (edit) | 4855x1860x1485 mm |
| Base | 2805 mm |
| Curb weight | 1655 kg |
| Full mass | 2120 kg |
| Clearance | 155 mm |
| Trunk volume | 510 l |
| Fuel tank volume | 70 l |
| Engine | petrol, 4-cylinder, in-line, 1998 3, 245/6000 hp / min -1, |
The O ptima occupies a special position in Kia's lineup. It is not the most massive and not the best-selling model, but it was with the Optima that the global transformation of the KIA brand image began.
The previous generation Optima, released on Russian market in 2012 - one of the first cars of the brand, completely created under the leadership of the chief designer Peter Schreier and fully fit into the European ideas of what a business-class car should be. The term "business class" itself came into use in the 90s of the last century. This is how the cars of the D segment began to be called - larger, more powerful and richly equipped than the models of the mass segments B and C, but not reaching the parameters of the solid executive E-class vehicles. Medium-sized businessmen, government officials, and managers of reputable companies really like to drive such cars.
This segment is very stable: despite all the dramatic events on automotive market, and its deafening fall in 2015-2016, and subsequent growth, the share of business class in the total volume ranged from 3.2 to 3.9%. And against this background, sales of the Kia Optima continued to take off. If in 2012 the share of this model in the segment barely reached 4%, and in just a year 4,617 of these cars were sold, then by the end of 2017 the share of Optima was already 22%, and by the results of the first half of this year this share exceeded for 28%! Seven times in seven years! To date, sales of the model have reached the level of 1,500 vehicles per month. Agree, this is quite a lot ...
But do not think that such victories were easily given to the Korean sedan. The business-class segment is extremely competitive, and Optima has to fight for a place in the sun and wallets of shoppers with hits such as Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Hyundai sonata and Ford mondeo... And one of the important tools in this struggle is precisely the rapid update and the emergence of new versions.
Two tiger noses
What changes in cars during a scheduled facelift? As a rule, radiator grilles, bumper shapes and lighting equipment. That is, what first catches the eye and serves as the main identifier of the brand and model. Optima is no exception. Engineers have completely abandoned xenon headlights, and now all Optima lighting technology has exclusively LED sources.
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| Kia Optime GT Line | Kia optima gt |
Dimensions Kia Optima
L x W x H, mm
4 855 / 1 860 / 1 485
The fog lights (with three separate and naturally LED sources arranged horizontally) have moved from the bottom of the radiator grille to the side air intakes of the brake cooling system. A decorative diffuser has appeared under the rear bumper. But the most important thing is that the famous "tiger nose", invented by maestro Schreier back in 2007, now appears in two versions. The overall shape of the upper grille does not differ in all trim levels, but the most powerful and "sporty" trims GT and GT Line sport a grille with a honeycomb structure, and all others - with vertical slats a la "whalebone". It is logical: if you want your car to look more aggressive - please; if you wish there was more solidity in your appearance - no problem either.
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Red, black, brown
As for the interior, there are few changes here: chrome trim around the new dashboard and engine start buttons, differently decorated buttons on the functional steering wheel and the appeared option of dark brown leather interior trim. This color option first appeared on the crossover. Sorento prime and suddenly became very fashionable. But there will be no salon in light beige - it looks like this "American" version has gone out of fashion. But for the "sports" trim levels GT and GT Line, armchairs with red stitching and a combined trim of black and red leather are provided.
But the cutest novelty can be seen only in the evening: the car has got contour lighting on the front panel and front door armrests. You can set the backlight color yourself, or you can bind it to the driving mode: in Eco mode, the interior is highlighted in green, Sport - in red, and if you select the intelligent Smart mode - in blue.
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In general, there are no comments on the ergonomics of the Kia Optima, although you will need to get used to some points. For example, to the fact that you can bind a smartphone to the hands-free system only using a button on the steering wheel, and you cannot go to the corresponding menu item through the touch screen of the monitor on the console.
The very same media system is presented in two versions: with a screen diagonal of 7 and 8 inches. The system has a very good sound (it would be strange to expect something else from the Harman / Kardon brand), as well as the ability to integrate a smartphone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. Plus, there is a niche at the bottom of the console with a wireless charger for phones. From my point of view, this niche has only one drawback: my "shovel" with a diagonal of 6.4 inches simply did not fit there physically, but not everyone likes such oversized devices. But the USB slots, and the AUX socket, and the 12-volt socket are located in such a way that you can connect external devices through them even while driving.
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What were you ...
Engine
2.4 GDI, 188 hp / 2.0 T-GDI, 245 hp
But from a technical point of view, the car has not undergone any changes. He still has the same body, in the power structure of which more than 50% are made of parts made of extra strong steel, which gave the model the opportunity to earn five stars in both European and American safety ratings.
The engine lineup includes three familiar four-cylinder engines. This is a two-liter four Nu 2.0 CVVL with a capacity of 150 hp. and two engines of the Theta family - an 188-horsepower 2.4 GDI and a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0 T-GDI (the latter is equipped exclusively with the GT grade, which accounts for about 10% of sales). All options, as you can see, fall into the tax zones that are optimal for their capacity, but the most popular were the versions equipped with a 2.4-liter engine: at least half of the buyers choose them.
A proven 6-speed automatic is aggregated with all engines. Depending on the type of engine and equipment, it can have either three or four operating modes: in addition to Eco, Comfort and Sport, a Smart mode can be provided, when the electronics, having studied the owner's driving style, will itself turn on one or another mode depending on road conditions ...
Since we are talking about trim levels, then perhaps it is worth talking about them and about the prices of the car. Opens the Classic and Comfort equipment lines. They are equipped with only a 150-horsepower engine and gearboxes without a choice of mode and cost 1,219,900 and 1,349,900 rubles, respectively.
The next "senior" configurations Luxe and Prestige can be equipped with both two-liter and 2.4-liter engines. In the first case, their price is 1,479,900 and 1,539,900 rubles, and in the second - 1,579,900 and 1,639,900 rubles.
Naturally, the range of life benefits included in it also grows from bundling to bundling. For those who do not need power and speed, and therefore are ready to be satisfied with a 150-horsepower engine, but still want to get the maximum level of interior equipment, the Premium version is intended. It costs 1,619,900. For those who like to make the car look hotter, but do not want to shell out for dozens of extra horses under the hood, there is a GT Line package for 1,759,900 rubles. It flaunts all the attributes of a sporty style, but is no different in dynamics from other trim levels with a 2.4-liter engine.
Finally, there is also a 245-horsepower GT package in the lineup. Such a car will cost real Russians, who, according to Gogol, cannot help but love fast driving, 1,929,900 rubles.
And yet comfort
The Optima leaves a very good impression on the go. I spent the first half of the test route behind the wheel of a richly equipped Prestige with a 2.4 GDI engine. The model has confirmed its reputation as a comfortable and very soft car on the move: its suspension readily swallows both gentle waves and minor road irregularities, and pits and “speed bumps” pass softly and resiliently, without exposing riders to excessive vertical overloads. All this suggests that Optima will remain a comfortable means of transportation not only in large cities, but also on the roads of the Russian hinterland.
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s
Kia Optima GT Line / Optima GT
However, for those who are looking for "perfected handling", drive and readiness to squeal with rubber in fast corners, it is better to look in some other direction: at least twirl, twist and twist, but in the corners the car is noticeably heeling, so there is no desire to attack them as fast as possible.
As for traction control, the Comfort mode seemed to me the most organic for this version. If you switch to sport mode, then the gearbox shifts down when gas is added are too sharp, especially since the acceleration in Comfort mode was quite sufficient for rebuilding in city traffic and for overtaking on the highway. Well, in especially serious cases, you can use manual sequential gear shifting.
But the GT equipment with a 245-horsepower turbo engine ran best in Sport mode. In it, the car revealed its full dynamic potential, and all accelerations were made energetically, but smoothly. I think the whole point is in the torque characteristic of the 2.0 T-GDI engine, in which the maximum torque shelf starts from about 1,300 rpm and extends to 4,000 rpm. Accordingly, when you press the gas pedal, a car moving at moderate speeds can accelerate without switching the gearbox to lower gears.
Both configurations are noted for excellent stability on a straight line, and even at very high speeds, clearly exceeding the limits allowed by traffic rules. And if you do not want to exceed these very limits inadvertently, turn on the limitation mode maximum speed, fortunately, it works very well, and its management is quite logical and does not cause any difficulties. To be honest, on some models, which also have such a useful thing, during the test I could not figure out how to use it ...
I also liked the work of the high-resolution rear-view camera. The only thing that can be improved here is to provide the camera with a washer.
But how the operation of the transmission automatically changes in Smart mode, I still did not feel. Either it took more time for the electronic mind to study my driving style, or the road situation itself did not change abruptly enough, or the operating modes were still switched, but the designers did not provide any indication of this process.
Kia Optima GT Line / Optima GT
Declared consumption per 100 km
Growth potential
The Kia Optima has room to grow, and the brand's engineers and designers have room to improve. For example, it seemed to me that the noise level in the cabin does not go beyond the permissible limits, but nevertheless, a business class car should be somewhat quieter.
It is possible to conjure up the suspension, especially since in the Hyundai and Kia group of companies Albert Biermann, who came from BMW, is in charge of this direction, and he is recognized in the world automobile circles as a great guru of tuning suspensions.
I think that the next generation Optima (which, if the brand keeps up the pace, should appear in a couple of years) can be expected to include such systems as active cruise control or head-up display. But it will not be soon, but for now the Optima of the current fourth generation is growing well in popularity and confidently occupies the second place in the sales ranking in the segment with a solid lead over its closest pursuers, confidently catching up with the leader - Toyota Camry. However, the task of “catching up and overtaking” the most popular model of the segment is not yet facing the sales specialists.
As you know, Camry is in great demand among corporate clients, who choose a third of total sales. In the case of the Optima, private buyers play a major role, although there has been an increase in interest in the model from taxi companies lately.
Kia is very proud of the fact that if you compare their new product with comparable trim levels of the main competitors, the Optima turns out to be cheaper, and at an equal price, the buyer gets “ more car". Plus reliability, which allowed us to give the car a five-year warranty. Plus profitable loan programs (and this is especially important for young businessmen aged 30-45, who are considered the main target audience in the company) ...
But in this segment everything is decided not only by the price, specifications and the saturation of the car with modern systems. That is, all this is also very important, but the brand itself, its history and image mean no less, if not more. So, according to Valery Tarakanov, Marketing Director of KIA Motors Rus, the company will focus its main efforts on strengthening the brand as such. The brand already has all the other components of success.
Would you take an updated Optima?
