|
|
Kia Optima offers hope to Saab stalwarts, says MD
publication date: Jan 14, 2012
|
author/source: Robin Roberts
Unhappy Saab
owners are likely to be interested in the new Optima saloon, according to Kia
UK MD Michael Cole.
"This is the
first modern D-sector car for Kia and I think it has the right blend of style,
equipment, performance, comfort and rarity to appeal to Saab drivers," he said
at the press launch for the new four-door model."It is a
very good model in its own right and a real alternative choice to the run of
mill BMW, Audi, Vauxhall, Ford or Toyota models in the same sector and I think
Saab owners like something different." |  |
Saab stopped
building models last April and went into bankruptcy before Christmas. Efforts
to rescue the Swedish car maker have so far failed and its assets are likely to
be split up unless a new buyer comes forward, but the new purchaser would
effectively have to be agreed by GM, which still has intellectual property
rights in some components.
"I feel Saab
owners have no-where to go at the moment," said Mr Cole. "They like a quality
car which is different to the rest and Optima appeals to individuals and the
user-chooser company sector who something different."
Asked if any
former Saab dealers had asked about a franchise, Mr Cole added, "Yes we have
had some enquiries but we are fairly well represented throughout the country
with 169 dealers and there are no real gaps to fill.
Optima goes
on sale next month and Kia UK anticipate about 1,600 will be sold over the next
12 months. It will be sold only as a saloon and comes to Britain after being
outstandingly successful in America, where Kia opened an assembly plant
to build it, in addition to sites in Korea and China.
It will be
sold in Britain only with 134bhp 4cyl 1.7 turbo-diesel engine, and mostly 6sp
manual transmission but a 6sp automatic will also be available and is expected
to account for up to 20pc of sales in this executive sector. There are four
models in the Optima range from £19,595 to £24,495 and the auto option adds
approximately £1,500 to these.
The
equipment specification includes high end Infinity sound system from Harmon
delivering 550Watts through 12 speakers which have been designed into the car
from the start and integrated satnav system. Kia's 1,2 and 3 grades are used
but in Optima there is also Tech and Lux packages aimed at business users and private
buyers who want specific equipment for their motoring needs.
Mr Cole
concluded, "People will be impressed by the style and equipment of the Optima.
I believe it will draw greater attention to the brand and this will have a
knock-on effect for our other models in the range."
| First impressions:
| Kia's chief
designer Peter Schreyer has done a tremendous job in creating a stylish and
practical saloon with a lot of rear seat legroom, thanks to its US
specification platform as used in the Hyundai Sonata.
Not only can
the Optima stand wheel to wheel with the best from Europe in terms of exterior
looks, it has arguably the most stylish interior so far from Kia and is
thoroughly practical for passengers or driver with its aircraft-cockpit
inspired cabin. |  | There are
two fascia designs with three cylinder display on entry models and a thin film
transistor cluster on others but controls and oddments provision are common
throughout the range.
The boot
holds over 500 litres behind a low lip and while the opening is not huge, the
capacity is very good and sensibly shaped. Access to the seats is very easy and
they are comfortable.
Ride quality
is definitely better in the models with the 17inch wheels and slightly higher
profile tyres which absorb road bumps much more and smooth out the ripples in
the ride apparent in the lower profile tyres.
| It handles
well, accelerates reasonably quickly and the two models tested had a lot of
flexibility which helped achieve economy of up to 53.2mpg on test. Motorway
cruising was relaxed while in town the Optima was fairly agile weaving around
parked cars and visibility was generally good.
Low
insurance, emissions and tax costs and a 7yr/ 100,000 miles warranty are
further plus points which make this one of the best value mid-sized cars now
coming onto the market.
©Robin Roberts |  |
Download the Wheels Within Wales toolbar for your quickest way to keep in touch with everything that's happening on Welsh roads and in showrooms or use our RSS feed for the headlines you will not want to miss
|
|
|
.gif){kind=small}