Half a year ago, we test drove the Optima K5 that made a huge statement in the automotive industry - Korean cars can just be as impactful on the inside as well as out. We were downright impressed with Kia's design and enthusiasm. The Korean marque is a firing warm gun at heart. Thanks to Kia's Chief Designer Officer Peter Schreyer, the cars are created passionately - even its signature front grille appears perfect for shocking the hot and sexy rides.
And that's not to say that if you stumbled on the Optima with its now improved equipment that comes standard, you would risk dropping your jaw as you'll lose all muscle control in astonishment as how far they've exceeded their Japanese peers.
Kia has been around for a long time and while they've consistently released shoddy-infused drivetrain with a flair for outrageous shell designs, the brand is climbing up the ladder fast with its ingenious efforts that reflect well of talent and a mastery of the craft. Drivetrain and design now reinforce and build off each other, creating eye-catching cars that are worth the consideration despite the painfully soaring COE prices.
Since the breakthrough of its Cerato Forte in 2008, Kia has wowed the automotive industry in Singapore, culminating in its flagship model, the Optima K5, which sold all 50 units like hotcakes within the first month of its arrival here. In fact, it's so piping hot that the production of the car could not even keep up with the global demand.
And that's not to say that if you stumbled on the Optima with its now improved equipment that comes standard, you would risk dropping your jaw as you'll lose all muscle control in astonishment as how far they've exceeded their Japanese peers.
Kia has been around for a long time and while they've consistently released shoddy-infused drivetrain with a flair for outrageous shell designs, the brand is climbing up the ladder fast with its ingenious efforts that reflect well of talent and a mastery of the craft. Drivetrain and design now reinforce and build off each other, creating eye-catching cars that are worth the consideration despite the painfully soaring COE prices.
Since the breakthrough of its Cerato Forte in 2008, Kia has wowed the automotive industry in Singapore, culminating in its flagship model, the Optima K5, which sold all 50 units like hotcakes within the first month of its arrival here. In fact, it's so piping hot that the production of the car could not even keep up with the global demand.
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Exterior
It's no wonder then, because the car appears very continental to the casual eye. Further heightening its looks is Kia's bold and powerful 'Tiger' family face on its fascia which pulses with exuberance, threatening to burst off the tracks and go wild at any minute. Additionally, piercing headlamps, daytime running lights and side vents (that resembles the BMW M3) are etched on the purposeful sheet metal while the Audi-like rear sings with reckless energy, leading the car to an inspiring direction. It's relatively easy to see why Kia feels confident about its future.
Longer and lower than its predecessor, the Optima's profile gets enhanced by the sweeping roofline that can make sporty sedan lovers fall in love with it on first glance. The bending arc that flows evenly from the A to C pillar visually lowers the car and magnifies its side profile.
The car is set on attracting more than the average executives with its edgy lines too, thanks to the bodykit that came with the test car, which could be too much for some. That said, these are the plus points that give the flagship sedan the polished focus necessary to outshine its Japanese competitors.
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Interior
On the inside, the Optima sports subtle changes and additions. There is now a panoramic glass roof that makes the cabin a lot more airy and brighter when driving on a sunny afternoon. Another change that appears to be more of a form than function is a decidedly prettier cluster on the instrument panel which consists of a small coloured LCD screen that displays the car's settings and what not.
In terms of additions, front seats are now equipped with a heating and cooling system - which comes in very handy given our temperamental weather conditions - and an automatically dimming rearview mirror. What's cool though, is that a small screen capturing the rear appears on the rearview mirror when the gear lever is on the 'R' mode, making reverse parking an easy feat for a car of this size.
On the inside, the Optima sports subtle changes and additions. There is now a panoramic glass roof that makes the cabin a lot more airy and brighter when driving on a sunny afternoon. Another change that appears to be more of a form than function is a decidedly prettier cluster on the instrument panel which consists of a small coloured LCD screen that displays the car's settings and what not.
In terms of additions, front seats are now equipped with a heating and cooling system - which comes in very handy given our temperamental weather conditions - and an automatically dimming rearview mirror. What's cool though, is that a small screen capturing the rear appears on the rearview mirror when the gear lever is on the 'R' mode, making reverse parking an easy feat for a car of this size.
When it comes to space, the Optima K5 rises to the occasion. Despite its sloping roofline, the roomy rear has sufficient head and legroom to haul up to four passengers should the event calls for it. If not, space will be the royal order of the day for three full-sized adults.
It also boasts a factory-fitted centre console that is angled towards the driver, an integrated hi-fi system (with MP3 connectivity wire that comes standard) and bluetooth connectivity. But for the fact that the buttons and dials have a solid and high-quality feel to them makes the cabin of this Korean car such a delight to be in.
It also boasts a factory-fitted centre console that is angled towards the driver, an integrated hi-fi system (with MP3 connectivity wire that comes standard) and bluetooth connectivity. But for the fact that the buttons and dials have a solid and high-quality feel to them makes the cabin of this Korean car such a delight to be in.
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The Drive
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0-litre Theta II MPI powerplant produces a peak of 165bhp and 198Nm of torque that enables the car to complete the century dash in 10.9 seconds. Although the power and torque at your disposal is not earth-moving, it's more than adequate to get you from point to point in a fuss-free manner, making it a delectable car to pilot on a daily basis.
Surprisingly, the steering wheel does have quite a bit of weight to it. Unlike the rest of the models in its stable, the K5 displays a decidedly generous amount of feedback from the steering. This allows drivers to haul the car around bends with a hearty dose of enthusiasm.
Of course if you decide to drive the car pedal to the metal, the sound will leave you shaken rather than stirred. But it's a flaw that you'd be able to forgive. The car, while not equipped with a drivetrain that will rock the hardest critics with intensity, is more of a hushed lullaby that will make you and your occupants feel at ease when traveling in it.
Another plus point of the car is the lack of noise intrusion when traveling at illegal speeds on open roads. Commotion from outside traffic and wind noise are almost absent and juddering does not happen at all, even over huge humps and broken tarmac - all thanks to its comfort-biased suspension.
Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0-litre Theta II MPI powerplant produces a peak of 165bhp and 198Nm of torque that enables the car to complete the century dash in 10.9 seconds. Although the power and torque at your disposal is not earth-moving, it's more than adequate to get you from point to point in a fuss-free manner, making it a delectable car to pilot on a daily basis.
Surprisingly, the steering wheel does have quite a bit of weight to it. Unlike the rest of the models in its stable, the K5 displays a decidedly generous amount of feedback from the steering. This allows drivers to haul the car around bends with a hearty dose of enthusiasm.
Of course if you decide to drive the car pedal to the metal, the sound will leave you shaken rather than stirred. But it's a flaw that you'd be able to forgive. The car, while not equipped with a drivetrain that will rock the hardest critics with intensity, is more of a hushed lullaby that will make you and your occupants feel at ease when traveling in it.
Another plus point of the car is the lack of noise intrusion when traveling at illegal speeds on open roads. Commotion from outside traffic and wind noise are almost absent and juddering does not happen at all, even over huge humps and broken tarmac - all thanks to its comfort-biased suspension.
Conclusion
So are there any flaws to it? We did realise one problem with the car after driving it around for the entire day. It's perception. You see, for those who do not really care for whirlwind motoring or aren't brand-conscious, the Optima K5 is an exceptionally attractive Korean sedan. In fact, it's one of the best-looking of the lot, toppling even some of the Germans.
But perception of a Korean brand is like a spreading disease. Yes, Korean cars were incapable in the past but let bygones be bygones. Kia, as you know it, has displayed a level of improvement no Japanese brand of late has shown.
And that deserves a handful of applause.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
So are there any flaws to it? We did realise one problem with the car after driving it around for the entire day. It's perception. You see, for those who do not really care for whirlwind motoring or aren't brand-conscious, the Optima K5 is an exceptionally attractive Korean sedan. In fact, it's one of the best-looking of the lot, toppling even some of the Germans.
But perception of a Korean brand is like a spreading disease. Yes, Korean cars were incapable in the past but let bygones be bygones. Kia, as you know it, has displayed a level of improvement no Japanese brand of late has shown.
And that deserves a handful of applause.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
