The negative perception of Korean car manufacturers has unfortunately stayed throughout the decades due to their hideous styling and terrible drive trains. And let's face it, we're shallow creatures. All those social behaviour lessons from school about recognising inner beauty makes a lot of sense. But it's the physical beauty, or 'the first impression', that brings our attention to people and things.
Looking at the latest sedan from Kia, it is easy to come to the conclusion that the Korean marque has got off to a great start if they are planning on making the Optima K5 a stunner. Let's just say its 'first impression' caught my attention. The styling is one of a kind and it's not in a Juke or X6 kind of way but, instead, in a seductive and futuristic sort of approach.
Credit goes to Kia's Chief Designer Officer Peter Schreyer, the man who claimed that the Optima K5 possesses the power to surprise. After all, he said that they wanted to create a car that people will not expect from Kia.
And to a certain extent, he has succeeded.
Exterior
Comparing the Optima K5 with the rest of models in the Kia stable, this sedan seems almost Germanic on first glance. The car's design has transformed, revealing a completely new and stunning design language from Kia, highlighted by the distinctive dimensions and proportions that conveys elegance and confidence from almost every angle.
Looking at the latest sedan from Kia, it is easy to come to the conclusion that the Korean marque has got off to a great start if they are planning on making the Optima K5 a stunner. Let's just say its 'first impression' caught my attention. The styling is one of a kind and it's not in a Juke or X6 kind of way but, instead, in a seductive and futuristic sort of approach.
Credit goes to Kia's Chief Designer Officer Peter Schreyer, the man who claimed that the Optima K5 possesses the power to surprise. After all, he said that they wanted to create a car that people will not expect from Kia.
And to a certain extent, he has succeeded.
Exterior
Comparing the Optima K5 with the rest of models in the Kia stable, this sedan seems almost Germanic on first glance. The car's design has transformed, revealing a completely new and stunning design language from Kia, highlighted by the distinctive dimensions and proportions that conveys elegance and confidence from almost every angle.
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Up front, the car exudes a very powerful and unmistakable face. It is longer, wider and lower by 45, 25 and 25mm respectively when compared to its previous generic model. And despite its increased dimensions and generous continental-like decor, the car weighs about 1.5 tonnes - not too bad for a car of its stature.
The Optima K5 certainly has the looks, thanks to its smooth-flowing lines that speak of grace and style. Its futuristic styling is a dramatic departure from the retro looks of its predecessors. But I reckon it's the bold signature front grille that catches your attention, carrying on the trademark design even to the top of the windscreen.
Round the back, it is Audi lookalike and it's certainly not a bad thing as it doesn't look like any Kia we've seen before. Tail lamps stretch out to the boot, giving the car a more stabilised and confident stance. It's just a pity the car comes with a single tailpipe. Nonetheless, one thing is certain - the Korean lad cuts a distinctively appealing profile, displaying an amount of visual accord. It's alluring regardless staring from a distance or at close quarters.
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Interior
Inside, the Optima K5 creates an immediate sense that it's a driver's car, sporting a driver-oriented centre console with simple yet precise gauges and controls for an overall sporty experience without sacrificing comfort or space.
Paddle shifters behind the restyled steering wheel with plenty of audio and cruise controls convey a firm message that this car is created for people who are proud and passionate about driving their cars. Apparently it gets better as the model available for sale here in Singapore will come with a glass panoramic sunroof which will certainly enhance the already airy and open feeling.
Also admirable is the comfort and ample leg space offered for occupants. This car's fashionable cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with the sleek and ergonomic seat design. Plus, the vast legroom gives the rear occupants the freedom to sit cross-legged or in a fully stretched out manner.
Inside, the Optima K5 creates an immediate sense that it's a driver's car, sporting a driver-oriented centre console with simple yet precise gauges and controls for an overall sporty experience without sacrificing comfort or space.
Paddle shifters behind the restyled steering wheel with plenty of audio and cruise controls convey a firm message that this car is created for people who are proud and passionate about driving their cars. Apparently it gets better as the model available for sale here in Singapore will come with a glass panoramic sunroof which will certainly enhance the already airy and open feeling.
Also admirable is the comfort and ample leg space offered for occupants. This car's fashionable cabin unifies with the exterior design by welcoming its passengers with the sleek and ergonomic seat design. Plus, the vast legroom gives the rear occupants the freedom to sit cross-legged or in a fully stretched out manner.
It's almost like a humble disguise. One will never be able to tell that the Optima K5 has such a vast amount of space by looking at its exterior and that also includes its boot space of a respectable 437 litres - sufficient to lug two Callaway golf bags. The only downside we experienced was the low sloping roofline that caused taller passengers at the back to have limited headroom.
Overall, the Kia Optima K5's cabin has a slight Audi resemblance look. But while its quality isn't up to the standards of the German marque, it has a pleasant design and top notch fit and finish that can top its class. Remove the Kia badge and your passengers are likely to believe that you're driving a continental car.
Overall, the Kia Optima K5's cabin has a slight Audi resemblance look. But while its quality isn't up to the standards of the German marque, it has a pleasant design and top notch fit and finish that can top its class. Remove the Kia badge and your passengers are likely to believe that you're driving a continental car.
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The Drive
The Optima K5 is neither a speed demon nor a hot rod on the road. But it nonetheless has adequate performance to take off smartly from rest to hundred in 10.9 seconds. The 2.0-litre powerplant generates a maximum power of 163bhp at 6,200rpm, with 198Nm of torque at 4,600rpm to allow the car to overtake a Toyota Camry in a fuss-free manner.
On the move, the car also has a composed ride that's comfortable while handling is neat and precise. Although the steering feels a little numb, its quick and light weighted nature points the car correctly every time you make a turn. This in turn makes you want to push the car harder every time you hit a bend.
It gives you the confidence to drive faster but overdo it and its nose will run wide. The only setback is the noise that the engine makes every time you decide to drive enthusiastically - not at all pleasurable.
The car's suspension is also a highlight. Over dips and bumps that would rattle even some of its continental competitors, the Kia sails through smoothly. It may lose that sporting disposition when driven aggressively, but when used for your day-to-day commuting, it can be surprisingly entertaining indeed.
The Optima K5 is neither a speed demon nor a hot rod on the road. But it nonetheless has adequate performance to take off smartly from rest to hundred in 10.9 seconds. The 2.0-litre powerplant generates a maximum power of 163bhp at 6,200rpm, with 198Nm of torque at 4,600rpm to allow the car to overtake a Toyota Camry in a fuss-free manner.
On the move, the car also has a composed ride that's comfortable while handling is neat and precise. Although the steering feels a little numb, its quick and light weighted nature points the car correctly every time you make a turn. This in turn makes you want to push the car harder every time you hit a bend.
It gives you the confidence to drive faster but overdo it and its nose will run wide. The only setback is the noise that the engine makes every time you decide to drive enthusiastically - not at all pleasurable.
The car's suspension is also a highlight. Over dips and bumps that would rattle even some of its continental competitors, the Kia sails through smoothly. It may lose that sporting disposition when driven aggressively, but when used for your day-to-day commuting, it can be surprisingly entertaining indeed.
Conclusion
Despite its good looks, the Optima K5 still has room for improvement for its drive train. But boy, is it a leap for the Korean marque. The new angles on the car confirm the Optima's handsome good looks, especially when the car manages to look stylishly continental on our roads.
You see, Kia believes the newly designed sedan will appeal to a whole new generation of buyers and is confident that it's going to be a hit given its futuristic appearance. I can't disagree.
And based on my time spent with it, I'd say the Optima K5 is one car that's worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite its good looks, the Optima K5 still has room for improvement for its drive train. But boy, is it a leap for the Korean marque. The new angles on the car confirm the Optima's handsome good looks, especially when the car manages to look stylishly continental on our roads.
You see, Kia believes the newly designed sedan will appeal to a whole new generation of buyers and is confident that it's going to be a hit given its futuristic appearance. I can't disagree.
And based on my time spent with it, I'd say the Optima K5 is one car that's worth considering.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
