Used Kia Optima 2016-present review

It might seem like the large executive saloon has had some of its thunder stolen by the relentless rise of the SUV, but around 10% of all sales are still for cars of this type.

The Optima has been Kia’s offering in this class for the past few years, but it only really started to catch people’s attention in its third generation, at which time Kia was undergoing a design revolution that spawned a range of attractively styled models ranging from city cars to large SUVs. This Optima is the fourth generation, tweaked in its looks to make it even more attractive and substantially revised underneath to make it more competitive against Europe’s best in terms of driveability.

Under the bonnet is a 139bhp 1.7-litre diesel, a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Two trims are offered: 2 and 3. Even the entry-level 2 model has plenty of luxuries, such as climate and cruise controls, power-folding door mirrors, 17in alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob. Added luxuries on 3 trim include 18in alloy wheels, half-faux leather seats, a premium sound system, an electrically operated driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, lane assist and a traffic sign display system.

On the road, the 1.7 diesel engine is punchy from low revs, but it’s a bit gravelly and can be too noisy, especially when cold. The PHEV combines a 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 67bhp electric motor. It can be plugged in and charged up rather than just rely on the engine, and with a full battery it can travel up to 33 miles on pure electric power. Unfortunately, even when you select Eco mode for electric power only, the engine will kick in promptly when a turn of speed is needed.

In corners, the Optima grips well, but its steering is vague and it’s not as engaging to drive down a winding road as its rivals. Ride quality is also a mixed bag. At low speeds across broken town roads, the Optima fidgets and thuds away, but if you swap suburban streets for the motorway it works better, feeling more settled and comfortable.

But the area in which the Optima really scores is in space. There’s loads of it up front and the rear is pretty good, too, with plenty of leg and head room for six-footers and taller; even three abreast will be happy for most journeys. Equally impressive is the boot – although it's not as big as the magnificent Skoda Superb’s, it is huge and provides good access and a low boot floor.

The interior materials vary from slightly too scratchy black plastic to a pleasing mix of soft-touch ones. Drivers will be happy, with a multi-adjustable driving position and a handsome steering wheel and dashboard set-up, as well as logical and easy-to-use controls. You get a cracking infotainment system, with either a 7.0in or 8.0in colour touchscreen depending on the trim you go for. The screen is bright, while the menus are responsive and easy to navigate.

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Around £15,000 will get you into the driving seat of an Optima. This will buy a 2017 car with a low to average mileage from an independent dealer. Expect to pay slightly more from a franchised dealer. Around £17,000 to £20,000 will see good 2017 and 2018 cars that satisfy the same criteria.

On paper, the PHEV claims a mighty 176.6mpg, with corresponding CO2 emissions of just 37g/km. You’re unlikely to match this in real-world conditions, but you might see around 40mpg on mixed runs and with varied use. The petrol-only version, the 2.0 T-GDi GT, claims an average of just 34.4mpg. It’s the 1.7 diesel that will be the most economical in mixed use, we think, with claimed fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 output of 110g/km, although these figures aren’t as good as some of its rivals.

As far as annual road tax goes, diesel cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 will pay a low premium, while Optimas registered after that date will pay the flat-rate charge.

Kia cars come with a seven-year warranty from new, and this is transferable. Servicing costs are reasonable.

Servicing is required every 12 months and costs £199 for a minor service or £299 for a major one on a petrol car at a Kia dealership. It’s worth looking to see if the previous owner has taken out Kia’s Care-3 or Care-5 servicing package, because this covers the first three of five years of servicing for a fixed price.

The PHEV might be worth a punt if most of your journeys are short, with an electrical point either at home or at work, but in real-world use you’re unlikely to get anywhere near its exceptional on-paper fuel economy figure. Provided you don’t mind diesel, it’s probably safer to look for a 1.7 CRDi model, of which there are plenty.

We’d seek out 2 trim, which has all the goodies you could want, unless you came across a 3 model on the forecourts that was exceptionally well priced.

Our favourite Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi 2

The Ford Mondeo has been the mainstay of the executive car patch for years, being a good family car or business car or both. It’s good to drive, huge inside and fairly practical, even if it doesn’t handle with the sparkle that earlier versions did.

The Skoda Superb is one of our very favourite executive cars, combining masses of standard kit, loads of rear leg room and boot space and a comfortable ride. If you’re looking for space and practicality in a package that’s also good to drive, this is the one to beat.

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