2012 KIA Optima

What is it?

The Optima is Kia's mechanical twin of the much more familiar Hyundai Sonata. The two cars were created by the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and gained widespread popularity over the past decade, all over the world. The cars are reliable and are class-favorites for their performance and brilliant styling cues. As an affordable mid-sized sedan, the Optima competes with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, two well-established Japanese rivals.

Looks

In 2012, when the first Optima hit the streets, they turned heads like no other car. A silver unit was always parked outside my school and I gawked at it for a good ten minutes daily. It was the kind of car I wanted to have if I ever could afford it. What I like best about the styling cues of the car is the stance that it rides on. The stock 18-inch alloy rims were perfectly flush with the chassis, giving it that futuristic appeal. Although the test car we took out for a test run has 18-inch Black BBS rims and the owner tells us he still has the factory set in his garage.

Photo: Farhan Ahmed

Specs and features

Our test car is a 2.0-liter 2012 EX package, which comes with premium beige interior, and perforated leather seats. The two front seats can be cooled and heated to the occupant's liking and can be adjusted 8-ways for lumbar support and bolster fitment. A full size panoramic roof adds that extra bit of driving satisfaction. The entertainment system features infinity speakers and a sub-woofer connected to a simple head unit which can also be controlled suing the toggles on the steering wheel. Passengers in this car will of course feel pampered, but driving experience is the real deal. The car is quick on the throttle and the exhaust note is throaty with a deep purr. Drive modes include Economy for annoying Dhaka city traffic, and the usual setting for when you feel generous.

Noteworthy features: six airbags for safety, folding rear seats, paddle shifters, dual auto climate control.

Driving impressions

My driving impressions can be summed up in one sentence: the car behaves elegantly, with a refined code of conduct. It doesn't over brake. It doesn't over steer. Its sharp, nimble, and can make boring drives feel exciting. Body roll is a thing of the past. Truth be told I was initially apprehensive before driving it, but once behind the wheel, five minutes into the drive, its dimensions became familiar and I embraced it like an old friend. A test drive is all I had, but you can enjoy this every day because the featured unit has gone up for sale.

Price This particular unit is on sale for TK 21 lakh.