What’s not?
- Despite the extra levels of engine power (+ 5ps) and torque (+ 15Nm), this latest Optima is still not particularly quick off the blocks. 0-62 mph occupies a less than spirited 9.7-10.6 secs.
- The 6-speed manual gearchange on another test car in Frankfurt could have been more precise. The gearlever is also mounted too far back.
- Relative lack of steering feel, despite the presence of Kia’s latest rack mounted power steering kit.
- Some might prefer to wait for the sportier GT and eco Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) Optimas to come, to say nothing of the upcoming Optima Estate based off Kia’s acclaimed auto show SportSpace concept.
Business Car Manager verdict:
Consider this an effective ground-up reboot of the Optima for 2016, giving Kia a more competitive shot at attracting company car drivers in the Mondeo-Passat-Insignia class.
In designing the new Optima, Kia has all the key bases covered and if, first time out, it’s perhaps ultimately not quite as involving behind the wheel as, say, the Mondeo, for the business world at large, that’ll hardly count as a deal breaker.
The business world will likely focus more on the Optima’s attractively lowered running costs and BIK (although the latter is partly offset by the new model’s higher price), by its high kit levels and the new Optima’s all round competence, especially with this 7-speed 7DCT box dual clutch box.
Just to add, this Optima we drove in Germany also had the optional electronically controlled suspension (ECS) that won’t be coming to the UK until the sporty Optima GT arrives later on in 2016.
Still, this is just the opening bell on a new Optima generation. It’s a guess that the coming Optima wagon, based off its eye-catching SportSpace concept, will be the car that’ll really puts the new Optima on the map across the highways and corporate car parks of the UK.
The Low Down on: Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi 7-Speed DCT ISG4
| Doors and body style | 4-door saloon |
| Engine/gearbox: | 1.7 4 cyl turbo diesel/7-speed dual clutch auto transmission |
| CO2 Emissions: | 116g/km |
| Economy: | 64.2mpg |
| Power/torque: | 139bhp/340Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 10.6secs/126mph |
| Insurance group: | 20A |
…..and what it costs
| P11D Value | £28,840 |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £N/A (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Road tax (VED) | Band C |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2015/16 to 2018/19 | 21%, 23%, 25% |
| Benefit in kind 2015/16 to 2018/19 | £6056/£6633/ £7210 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £928/£77 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1856/£155 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £1211/£101 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £2423/£202 |
| Figures correct at time of posting | 9 December 2015 |
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |
