The Optima’s cabin space delivers ample space, a wealth of luxury features and complete driver control
or high mileage company car drivers, the interior of a car is vitally important to their working life, and the cabin of the Optima has been designed with this in mind. More spacious, luxurious and featuring a host of comfort and convenience features, the Optima is the ultimate offi ce away from the offi ce. In fact, it’s probably more inviting and comfortable than most offi ces! It only takes a moment behind the wheel to understand this is a driver’s car: all control and information panels are wrapped around the driver’s seat. With a centre fascia sloped towards the driver, the car’s designers have taken inspiration from an aircraft cockpit. This dynamic set-up helps to make the driver feel more engaged at the outset. Similarly, all the major controls are within the driver’s sight-line for instant visibility and ease of use. Almost all versions of the Optima have a premium supervision cluster with a 3.5” thin-fi lm transistor (TFT) full-colour information screen displaying the trip computer fl anked by a tachometer on one side and a speedometer on the other. With full tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a wide range of movement for the driver’s seat, the Optima is ergonomically perfect. The fi nish feels right too: a range of sumptuous touches include thick leather on the steering wheel and gear-knob, while the soft-touch dashboard that wraps the instrument dial cluster and fascia results in a cabin built to exacting standards, fi nished beautifully.
FORM AND FUNCTION Aesthetics and ergonomics are paired with practically too. There are a plethora of useful storage spaces including a cooled glovebox, centre console armrest box, cupholders front and rear, a sunglasses holder, space for bottles in the front and rear doors, pockets in the backs of the front seats and a centre fascia tray large enough for a mobile telephone, conveniently located near to USB and AUX recharging sockets. Even the door armrests are cleverly designed with integral audio speakers, freeing up more space in the panel beneath. There are a wide range of safety and convenience features to make every journey a pleasure: cruise control, Bluetooth with voice
recognition and music streaming are standard as well as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Also featuring in the range is a premium 12-speaker Infi nity sound system linked to a 7” touchscreen Sat Nav, reversing camera and Parallel Park Assist System. In the top-of-the- range Optima ‘3’, mood lighting in the lower part of the doors and the centre fascia adds to the cabin’s already sophisticated ambience, and is complemented by alloy pedals and front illuminated stainless steel door scuff plates.
SPACE RACE
While 25mm lower, the Optima is 45mm longer and 25mm wider than Kia’s previous D-segment saloon. The wheelbase has been cleverly stretched by 75mm, which translates into expansive best-in-class front passenger head and leg room. But it’s not just the driver and passengers who will feel the benefi t of the Optima’s extra room – even the luggage gets more space too. Boot capacity has been enlarged to 505 litres, and there is a lower lip to make loading heavy or bulky items into the car easier, while a 60:40 split folding rear seat system allows longer loads to be transported comfortably. It appears the all-new Optima really does have everything a modern executive could want while on the move.
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Below: (1) The Optima ‘3’ features a 7” touchscreen Sat Nav with European mapping; (2) a leather and
woodgrain trimmed gearshift draws inspiration from the boardroom; (3) full leather upholstery (4) 0-60mph in as low as 10.2 seconds