Kia Optima review

The able Optima is primarily about metal for the money, so the sub £20k entry price brings a huge amount of space, kit and ability to worry rivals such as the Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo. You don't really need to trade up, but if you do, you'll get features you even have to pay extra for in a Jaguar: air-conditioned seats, anyone? The only distraction is one from within: the Hyundai i40 is similarly able and, while it's derived from a different and smaller platform, it's also £2,000 cheaper. Kia will be hoping style wins through.