ON THE MOVE So stationary, all is good. Adjusting the steering wheel and, for once not even needing the seat on its lowest setting, despite being over six foot tall, I fi nd it’s easy to get the perfect driving position. At idle, there’s a faint buzz from the 1.7 diesel engine that noticeably quietens as it warms. Out on the road, the quality of the ride strikes you immediately. It is very composed, with little tendency to roll in bends, but without the hardness often associated with such control. The smaller 17” tyres are quieter, but don’t have the same levels of grip as the bigger tyres on those wonderful fl at bladed 18” alloys, so I suppose it will be a personal decision for each driver whether to opt for greater refi nement or grip. Although it’s only a 1.7 litre engine, this new diesel does have a surprising amount of performance, thanks to its 134bhp and a variable geometry turbocharger that ensures delivery of torque and power is fairly linear, with little lag at low engine speeds, or sudden dollops of galloping power higher up. It helps that the gearing is set very well, and that the change quality is as precise as anything in its class, if not more so. Steering is positive, with perhaps a little too much change in weighting between speeds for my tastes, but it does mean it is handily light in parking manoeuvres and more resistant at motorway speeds. As it is, the complete tactile experience of driving the Optima is one of solidity and assurance. That is replicated in the cabin, which is up
there in terms of quality with any other car in the sector. Sober, simply laid out and clear, it’s a cabin that is both intuitive and easy to operate. My particular favourite is the
Optima’s reversing camera image, available on the ‘2 Luxe’ model that appears in the rear view mirror when you’re parking. Add in the vast rear legroom, high specifi cation and quality materials and the impression is one of a very mature, well-rounded and solid car, peppered with lovely stylistic tweaks and no mean performance. If I was looking for a D-segment car that can do the daily high mileage grind, but still surprise and delight, the Optima would be top of my list. ■
Plenty of kit | |
“A very good car, and very nice lines – I really like the design. There’s also lots of room in the back and it’s got a lot of kit on it. It would certainly be of interest to our drivers.” MARK ROWLINGSON, Fleet Manager, Civil Aviation Authority
“I have been very impressed with it. It has a lovely gearbox, drives well, is a very pretty shape and is quiet too. I can see drivers going for it and it will be popular.”
TERENCE DRANE, Commercial Director, Fleet Europe
“The bold, modern looks of this spacious car will attract attention, as will good levels of interior appointment, excellent material quality and safety features. Residual values and whole life costs are predictably competitive.” MARK JOWSEY, Director – Manufacturer Liaison, KeeResources