Let’s face it. Korean cars have never been known for reliability, comfort, or even good looks—until now.
· Design & Engineering:
Passion—the first word to hit, when one glimpses at the striking front face of the Kia. With the help of angled daytime LED-running lights and side vents, the Optima K5 exudes a sexy yet sporty aura, as if begging for more. For that extra oomph, an additional body kit from the dealers comes as an option. From the side, humongous rims fill the arches, and have a smooth, polished look on them. Some say that if all the Korean badges are removed, the sweeping rear resembles a Panamera due to the side grills, along with the sweeping rear—how oddly impressive. Despite being longer and lower than its predecessor, the Optima K5 takes a tall stanch from the rear, aided by the use of a widened body. Use of chrome on the doorsills and grills adds to extra desire for the vehicle. In short—the Optima K5 is one of those things, where you just want to stare at, over and over again.
· Interior
On the inside, this is where the Kia proves itself the most. Step into the driver’s seat, and one immediately realizes how driver orientated the interior is. Snuggle into the seats (mix of leather and cloth), and realize the improved quality of the vehicle overall. Though the steering wheel feels slightly cheap, the equipment that comes with it is incredible. With a total of sixteen buttons and functions, such as a Bluetooth phone function, cruise control, etc…, it takes a bit of time for one to get accustomed to the bombardment of buttons on the wheel. Nevertheless, everything else feels good to the touch—from the start/stop button, to the buttons that control the windows. The center console comes with a standard radio/CD machine, which seems to be as plain but functional as VW’s base Golf. At night though, when the interior lights clink into place, a sporty red backlight from all the buttons, makes one want to drive in a sportier mode. Feedback for the speakers—only one standard option available, not many speakers, sound nothing to shout about. The revised Optima K5, now comes with additional features such as heating/cooling front seats, which prove themselves in four-season countries. Additional goodies such as an auto-dimming mirror and rearview camera (hidden in the rearview mirror, quite innovative actually), push the flashy Korean car past rivals, such as the ever-popular Camry. Perhaps the most important factor about any interior—space. In this segment, the Kia excels with flying colours, due to the roomy head and legroom, along with spaciousness all around. Definitely something to shout about there.
· Ride & Handling
Powered by a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0-liter power plant produces more than adequate power, with 165BHP at bay. Though the Kia will not enable you to be the first out of a red light, it will get you around town with ease and comfort. Keep in mind that this particular vehicle was not built to be pushed, despite its sporty appearance. Unlike previous Kia’s, the Optima K5 provides a good deal of response from its steering, making for an easy drive. Even when past a 110 km/h, the car remains relatively sound, and eliminates major wind noise, boosted by a comfort-bias chassis and suspension. +1 for the Koreans here~
· Verdict
I daresay, if the badges were replaced with, say, Audi badges, the Optima K5 would sell like hotcakes. Really, Kia has taken a major leap forward with its creative innovation. Two points of feedback Kia. Provide an option for a slightly punchier engine, such as a 2.4-liter power plant, or a 1.8-liter turbo. Also, provide a stereo upgrade. Apart from these two factors, this car should appeal to the mass markets. Optima K5~ a zesty change to the usual dishes.
o Pictures from:
o http://wheelmodelcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011-Kia-Optima-Sedan-Car-61-4e28d0d92b3d0.jpg
http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/254646-5/2011KiaOptima_53.jpg 
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