Kia Optima 2.4 MPI: Optimised and evolutionary

By Ghaith Madadha - May 09,2016 - Last updated at May 09,2016

Photo courtesy of Kia

Unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show late last year, the latest 2016 fourth incarnation of Kia’s popular mid-size saloon comes as an evolutionary new generation in character and design. Assertively styled, accessibly positioned, well-equipped, affordable and refined, the new Optima improves on a formula that well served its predecessor, when launched in 2010.

Available with a choice of four-cylinder petrol engines, the new Optima line-up also includes a more performance oriented 2-litre turbocharged GT model with sharpened up chassis tuning. The lion’s share of sales will, however, be the naturally aspirated 2.0- and 2.4-litre models, the latter of which is offered with direct or multi-point fuel injection, as tested.

Assertive aesthetic

Evolutionary in nature but with a distinctly more aggressive and muscular road style, the new Optima slightly larger dimensions and more sculpted taut surfacing lend is a bigger and more imposing road presence. Under the skin, the new Optima’s enlarged dimensions yields 20mm and 17mm more front and rear shoulder room and crucially 15mm more rear headroom.

Also gaining 25mm rear legroom owing to a 10mm longer wheelbase, the new Optima retains its predecessor’s rakishly angled roofline, descending dramatically to a high rear deck. Meanwhile, its flanks feature more defined sills, character lines stretching from front to rear lights and muscular shoulders at the C-pillar. Large optional 235/45R18 footwear also lends a more purposeful appearance.

Most dramatically se-styled from front view, the new Optima features more heavily browed grille and slimmed more inwardly angled headlights. The new Optima also gains distinctly bulging and more aggressive gill-like side intakes to its bumper section, as well as dual sharp bonnet ridges. Other sporty touches include side ports, slim angled rear lights and a diffuser-style rear apron.

Refinement and efficiency

Transversely mounted and driving the front wheels, the Optima 2.4 MPI’s engine develops 175BHP at 6000rpm and 168lb/ft at 4000rpm. Driven through a standard fit 6-speed automatic gearbox for all general market — including Middle East — models, the 1,475kg Optima 2.4 MPI accelerates through 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds and can attain a 210km/h top speed.

Smooth and well insulated, the Optima’s engine is further improved for refinement, with a 4 per cent reduction in engine noise audible in the cabin. Mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, the Optima is fitted with under floor covers, which helps achieve improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of 8.4l/100 on the combined cycle, not to mention a 2 per cent wind noise reduction.

Refined and consistently progressive, the Optima 2.4 MPI’s under-square engine design yields confident low-end torque delivery and is happy to spin right to its rev limit. Using its “gearbox” lever-operated manual shift function for greater control in holding lower gears longer, the Optima 2.4 MPI moves confidently when overtaking or on steep inclines.

Comfort and control

An altogether stiffer car with a 50 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity owing to a 150 per cent increase in Advanced High Strength Steel — now comprising 50 per cent of the body — 450 per cent increase of structural adhesive and greater use of lightweight aluminium, the new Optima both handles better and rides more comfortably. Set-up with a supple, absorbent and forgiving ride quality, agility and responsiveness are also improved.

Stiffer at its pillars, sills roof, rear firewall, floor and wheel arches, the new Optima also features 83 per cent stiffer alloy wheels. Suspension improvements include revise geometry, wider sub-frame mountings, for improved lateral stiffness, four — rather than two — front bushing mounts and dual — rather than single — rear lower suspension links are used, in addition to thicker bushings and more robust wheel bearings.

Riding firmer than before and with a sharpened up electric-assisted steering system the new Optima turns in more tidily and responsively and feels reassuringly grippy through corners, while rebound control becomes more settled. However, its emphasis remains on ride comfort over imperfect road surfaces — despite low profile tyres — and highway stability and confidence, rather than an outright sporty disposition.

Elegant and practical

Improved inside as well, the new Optima’s cabin has somewhat more conservative yet elegant ambiance, utilising improved materials and textures, with a design emphasis on width. Roomier and more practical and comfortable inside, it features lighter seats with stiffer mounting, deeper side bolsters and firmer support, but more supple head rests, upper back and thigh sections.

Featuring improved ergonomics, user-friendly systems and well thought out layouts, the new Optima features a supportive and well-adjustable driving position, but its gear lever seems to be situated slightly nearer than ideal for larger drivers. Benefiting from slightly improved and generous 510 litres boot space and wider opening, the Optima is also well-equipped with standard and optional convenience features.

In addition to a stiffer body and seven airbags, the new Optima is designed to meet a EuroNCAP 5-star rating, and receives several optional advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, high beam assist and rear cross-traffic alert systems. Extensive additional features available include 8-inch infotainments screen, 360° around view monitor, wireless phone charging, parking assistance and optional 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.4-litre, transverse, 4 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 88 x 97mm

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Gear ratios: 1st 4.212:1; 2nd 2.637:1; 3rd 1.8:1; 4th 1.386:1; 5th 1:1 6th 0.772:1

Reverse/final drive: 3.385:1/3.064:1

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 175 (178) [131] @6000rpm

Specific power: 74BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 118.6BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 168 (228) @4000rpm