KIA OPTIMA EX POWER PLANT: 2.4-litre direct- injection DOHC petrol engine with continuously variable valve timing, 148 kW at 6300 rpm, 250 Nm at 4250 rpm.
RUNNING GEAR: Front-wheel drive. Six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sportshift. MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link setup at the rear. Full suite of electronic aids including hill-hold function, stability control, ABS brakes, and reversing sensors with camera.
HOW BIG: Length 4845mm, width 1830mm, height 1455mm, wheelbase 2795mm.
HOW MUCH: $46,990.
WHAT'S GOOD: Beautiful lines, spacious, high specification, solid performance, competitive price.
WHAT'S NOT: Tyre roar pronounced at times. Not enough will be available.
OUR VERDICT: This Kia Optima is a beauty - in more ways than one.